Leotard critiques the linear view of history in Marxist thought and emphasizes the role of desire in shaping social and economic systems.
He questions the effectiveness of critique in leftist movements and calls for a reevaluation of desires and the systems that shape them.
Leotard highlights the commodification of revolution, where rebellion becomes a consumable experience divorced from true subversion.
He challenges the idea that capitalism necessarily produces alienation and emphasizes the complex relationship between desire, alienation, and enjoyment within the capitalist framework.
Deep dives
The Critique of Teleology in Marxist Thought
Leotard critiques the teleological view in Marxist thought that sees capitalism as a necessary step towards communism. He argues that this view assumes a linear progression of history, where capitalism collapses under its own contradictions and communism emerges. Leotard suggests that this perspective neglects the agency of individuals and the contingent nature of historical developments. He emphasizes the importance of understanding desire and its role in shaping social and economic systems. Leotard rejects the idea that revolution or liberation can be achieved through teleological processes and offers a critique of the romanticization of revolt.
The Limits of Critique and the Danger of Alienation
Leotard questions the effectiveness and limitations of critique, particularly in leftist movements. He suggests that critique often falls into the same patterns as the system it opposes, offering promises of liberation and salvation. Leotard argues that such critiques can be alienating and fail to address the deeper issues of desire and subversion. He challenges the notion that critique alone can bring about radical change and calls for a reevaluation of desires and the systems that shape them.
The Aestheticization of Revolt and the Simulacrum of Revolution
Leotard explores the pervasive presence of revolution as a form of aestheticization within capitalist society. He suggests that notions of revolt and rebellion have been commodified, becoming empty signifiers divorced from their original meanings. Leotard highlights the simulacrum of revolution, pointing to the ways in which rebellion is reduced to a consumable experience devoid of true subversion. He critiques the superficial adoption of revolutionary aesthetics without meaningful engagement with the underlying social, economic, and cultural structures.
The Paradox of Enjoyment in Alienation
Leotard challenges the notion that capitalism necessarily produces alienation. He argues that individuals can derive enjoyment from capitalist systems, such as consuming material goods and participating in societal structures. Leotard suggests that alienation cannot be fully eradicated because enjoyment itself can be grounded in and perpetuate capitalist systems. He critiques the idea that liberation lies in escaping or transcending capitalism, emphasizing the complex relationship between desire, alienation, and enjoyment within the capitalist framework.
The Distorted Nature of Critique and Entertainment
The podcast explores the distorted nature of critique when it is reduced to entertainment. It suggests that the catharsis and enjoyment provided by movies or media that offer a critique of society can replace genuine critique and lead to a sense of despair. The podcast argues that this replacement of genuine critique with entertainment serves as a therapeutic distraction for a society that is aware of the need for change but is unable to truly negate the existing social processes. This commodification of critique numbs the revolutionary spirit and keeps individuals trapped within the system.
Decadence and the Pedagogical Function of Critique
The podcast delves into the idea of decadence as explored by Leotard. It suggests that Leotard's critique of decadence goes beyond negativity and centers around the pedagogical function of criticism itself. Leotard argues that there is a belief that intellectuals have the responsibility to educate the masses and bring about change, which perpetuates the downfall of unity, totality, and truth. By presupposing a pedagogical role, critique accelerates the decadence of society, leading to the manipulation and exploitation of individuals as perfect experimental subjects. This pedagogical approach to critique, according to Leotard, has devastating consequences and ultimately serves the interests of power.
The Enjoyment of Suffering and the Paradox of Work
The podcast explores the paradox of work and the enjoyment of suffering. Discussing examples from literature such as Brave New World, it highlights the idea that humans are wired to find pleasure in challenges and suffering. This natural inclination can be exploited by capitalism, as it offers individuals the opportunity to engage in hard work and self-sacrifice, leading to a sense of enjoyment. The podcast also touches upon the fascination with suffering and self-destruction in the context of power dynamics, such as the enjoyment of destruction that the English proletariat experienced during industrial work. It raises questions about the intertwining relationship between power, enjoyment, and the desire for challenge and suffering.
Part 3 of a series of discussions with Taylor Adkins, @CNoumena, and @YAgamben on Jean Francois Lyotard's Libidinal Economy (1974). Lyotard referred to it as his evil book, and it was a major influence on Nick Land.
In this episode, we cover the first half of chapter 3, The Desire named Marx (pgs. 95-122) from the Grant translation.
Part 1:
https://soundcloud.com/podcast-co-coopercherry/taylor-adkins-cnoumena-yagamben-wicked-lyotard-pt-1
Part 2: https://soundcloud.com/podcast-co-coopercherry/taylor-adkins-cnoumena-yagamben-wicked-lyotard-pt-2
Taylor's Links:
https://soundcloud.com/user-659574533
https://soundcloud.com/theory-talk
https://fractalontology.wordpress.com/
https://twitter.com/tadkins613
Cute Noumena:
https://twitter.com/CNoumena
https://linktr.ee/Cute_Noumena
Yung Agamben:
https://twitter.com/YAgamben
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/muhh
Twitter: @unconscioushh
Instagram: @unconscioushh
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/machinicunconscioushh
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