John Protevi, an expert on Deleuze & Guattari and author of 'Regimes of Violence', shares profound insights into the intersections of violence and cooperation in human nature. He challenges deterministic views in evolutionary psychology, advocating for societal interventions that promote gender equality. Protevi examines how cultural context shapes violence, contrasting the behaviors of chimpanzees and bonobos. He also explores ideology's emotional influences on social behavior and delves into the beauty of teamwork in sports, highlighting its uplifting, collective spirit.
John Protevi's concept of 'regimes of violence' emphasizes the cultural and historical contexts that shape societal acceptance of violence.
His biocultural approach bridges biological and sociocultural explanations, challenging deterministic views of human behavior with a focus on social contexts.
Pratevy advocates for the role of joy and collective experiences in fostering cooperation, highlighting how these can serve as political tools.
Deep dives
The Role of Contemporary Philosophy
Contemporary philosophy offers critical insights into the interplay between culture, power, and politics, especially in the context of British and American dynamics. The podcast delves into the sub-series titled 'From Marx to Spinoza Affect Ideology Materiality', showcasing discussions that connect philosophical theories to real political experiences. A prominent figure in this discourse is John Pratevy, whose philosophical contributions are noted for their depth and accessibility. His ideas challenge conventional narratives about violence and cooperation, emphasizing the necessity for philosophical engagement in understanding contemporary societal issues.
Understanding Regimes of Violence
John Pratevy's work centers around the concept of 'regimes of violence', drawing from the philosophical insights of Deleuze and Guattari. He argues that violence exists within various social frameworks, and its acceptance or rejection is shaped by cultural narratives and historical context. By examining how societies produce and reproduce violence through social structures, Pratevy aims to redefine the common perception of human nature as inherently violent. This perspective reassesses the historical roots of violence and emphasizes the role of social circumstances in framing human behavior.
The Biocultural Perspective
The biocultural stance presented by Pratevy seeks to bridge the gap between biological and sociocultural explanations of human behavior. He advocates for an understanding of human nature that recognizes both individual tendencies and social contexts that shape behavior, thereby moving beyond purely deterministic views. The perspective highlights how experiences and environments interact with biological predispositions, leading to diverse expressions of agency and cooperation. This nuanced approach allows for a reevaluation of long-held beliefs about violence and cooperation as mere products of evolution.
Joy as a Political Resource
Pratevy emphasizes the importance of joy in social interactions and its potential as a political tool in constructing more harmonious societies. He cites the example of sports and collective joy, demonstrating how shared experiences of elation can strengthen social bonds and foster cooperation. The notion of 'esprit de corps' encapsulates the idea that emotional investments in shared activities can lead to a deeper understanding and connectivity among individuals. This understanding of joy challenges the dominant narratives focused solely on strife and conflict within societies.
Critiquing Ideology through Emotion
Drawing from Deleuze and Guattari, Pratevy critiques traditional notions of ideology as merely a collection of beliefs. He posits that ideology is deeply intertwined with affect and emotions, shaping how individuals relate to power structures and social norms. By acknowledging the emotional dimensions of ideology, Pratevy expands the discussion to include how communal practices create a collective identity that influences political actions. This reframing invites a more interactive understanding of ideologies, emphasizing the role of emotional investments in maintaining or challenging social orders.
Exploring Alternatives to State Violence
Pratevy explores the differences between state violence and forms of resistance such as those exhibited by maroons, who create alternative social structures outside state control. He discusses how these alternative regimes of violence serve as a form of agency against oppressive regimes while also fostering communities bound by shared values. This analysis highlights the complexity of resistance movements and the potential for creating non-violent alternatives that still protect community interests. Understanding these dynamics offers valuable insights into contemporary struggles against systemic injustice.
In a just world, John Protevi would be far more famous than Slavoj Zizek. An expert on the ideas of Deleuze & Guattari (among many other things), his work brings together continental philosophy, analytical philosophy, rigorous science and political radicalism. In this recording he talks about his new book Regimes of Violence, ranging over topics from the politics of neoliberalism to evolutionary psychology to the beauty of sport.
This is part of our series From Marx to Spinoza: Affect, Ideology, Materiality, co-hosted by Andrew Goffey, Jason Read and Jeremy Gilbert.
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