In Defense of Žižek? A Discussion with Matthew Flisfeder
Aug 25, 2023
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Matthew Flisfeder, Žižek scholar, discusses the core of Žižek's thought and how to remain true to his project. They explore Žižek's public persona, the development of the Slovene school, left populism, Marxist humanism, Lacanian subjectivization, and Žižek's contribution to Marxism and the question of ideology.
Žižek's focus on returning to a rethinking of Hegel's science of logic stands out as a valuable contribution.
His ability to project his work on social media has provided greater access to philosophical thinking.
The Slovene school emerged as a distinctive approach, challenging the prevailing socialist humanism and seeking to articulate the contradictions between socialism and capitalism.
Deep dives
The Importance of Slavoj Žižek's Work
Slavoj Žižek offers important insights into the critique of ideology and subjectivity in the context of 21st-century capitalism. His rethinking of Hegelian dialectics and his engagement with Lacanian psychoanalysis contribute to the understanding of contemporary political and technological antagonisms. While there may be disagreements with his political articulations, Žižek's focus on returning to a rethinking of Hegel's science of logic stands out as a valuable contribution.
Žižek's Public Persona and the Access to his Work
Žižek's public persona, often overshadowing his philosophical contributions, has both advantages and disadvantages. While his accessible writing style and online presence have broadened his reach and allowed more people to engage with his work, this may also prevent some from delving deeper into his key philosophical works. Nonetheless, his ability to project his work on social media has provided greater access to philosophical thinking, particularly for those who may not have access to traditional academic avenues.
The Slovene School and Žižek's Place in it
The development of the Slovene school, including Žižek's work, can be understood within the historical and political context of former Yugoslavia. Influenced by the Frankfurt School and French structuralism, the Slovene school emerged as a distinctive approach, challenging the prevailing socialist humanism and seeking to articulate the contradictions between socialism and capitalism. Žižek's engagement with Lacanian psychoanalysis, his critique of populist rhetoric, and his rearticulation of dialectical materialism contribute to his unique position within the Slovene school.
Importance of reorganizing political and economic structures for social change
The podcast episode explores the significance of reorganizing political and economic structures in bringing about social change. The discussion highlights the idea that bombarding authority with real material demands, such as a single-payer public health care system, can lead to a more emancipatory and universalist project. It is argued that even in situations where there is no clear socialist or communist force, aligning with a more liberal or progressive force can help lay the groundwork for a more radical form of emancipation. The rise of reactionary forces worldwide is also examined, and the role of a traditional liberal approach in creating conditions for change is emphasized.
The role of Lacanian psychoanalysis in understanding subjectivity and alienation
The episode delves into the contributions of Lacanian psychoanalysis in understanding subjectivity and alienation, particularly in relation to Marxism. Lacan's distinction between alienation and separation is discussed, with alienation being a constitutive dimension of subjectivity that occurs when the subject enters the symbolic order and the big other, while separation involves the subject's effort to separate from this alienation. The significance of choice and freedom in this process is explored, along with the idea that alienation is a necessary aspect of subjectivity. Furthermore, the role of Lacanian psychoanalysis in providing insights into collective subjectivity and its relation to political change is considered.
Slavoj Žižek is a provocative intellectual, constantly taking positions on social and political issues that upset convention and lead him to face derision from both the right and the left. Given the often erratic stances that he takes, from his support for the Ukraine war, to Donald Trump in 2016, some have wondered whether the Giant of Ljubljana has lost his way in recent times. We are joined by Žižek scholar Matthew Flisfeder for a discussion on how to understand the core of Žižek's thought, and how to remain true to his project and method even when he may waver from it.
Matthew Flisfeder is an associate professor of rhetoric and communications at the University of Winnipeg. He is the author of Postmodern Theory and “Blade Runner” and The Symbolic, the Sublime, and Slavoj Žižek’s Theory of Film.
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