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Theory Underground

"Critical Theory Now Serves Billionaires" Helen Rollins on Political Economy, Surplus Genius, & Lack

Jun 16, 2024
Helen Rollins shares her journey with anti-intellectualism, touches on political economy, surplus genius, and lack. Topics include height perceptions, challenges in UK higher education, ambulance response times, Illich's critiques of schooling, intersection of Marxist and Freudian theories, and Theory Underground's goal of liberation.
01:03:33

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Critical theory can unintentionally benefit the wealthy elite, undermining leftist movements' goals.
  • Lack theory and Marxism intersect, revealing societal contradictions and the importance of psychoanalysis.

Deep dives

Understanding the Relationship Between Political Economy and Libidinal Economy

The conversation with Helen Rollins delves into the intersection of political economy and libidinal economy. It explores how critical theory can inadvertently serve the interests of the wealthy, highlighting progressive ideologies that may unknowingly benefit the security state and capitalism. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding how leftist movements can unintentionally support systems contrary to their goals, provoking listeners to reevaluate the impact of ideological alignment in affecting societal structures.

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