In this podcast, Todd McGowan discusses the essential role of desire in perpetuating capitalism. He explores how capitalism capitalizes on unconscious desire and maintains control through a constant sense of longing. The episode also delves into the connection between capitalism and culture, the contradictory nature of desire in romantic relationships, and the limits of sublimation in capitalism.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Capitalism perpetuates itself through the structure of desire, using constant dissatisfaction to drive individuals forward.
Capitalism capitalizes on unconscious desire and the promise of not obtaining the desired object.
Desire and enjoyment are shaped by the structure of capitalist society, guided by ideological narratives that maintain satisfaction in the cycle of consumption.
Deep dives
The relationship between capitalism and psychoanalysis
In this podcast episode, Dr. Todd McGowan discusses his book 'Capitalism and Desire' and the relationship between capitalism and psychoanalysis. He explains that his book explores the core of the psychic structure of desire and argues that capitalism, despite its flaws, taps into a certain psychic appeal. He also acknowledges that his argument has evolved since writing the book, and he now recognizes the political instability and the tendency of capitalism to tip over into fascism.
Defining desire and enjoyment
Dr. Todd McGowan provides his definition of desire, describing it as the relationship that a subject has to objects in the world, wanting and seeking to invest oneself in those objects. He also highlights the opposition between unconscious desire and conscious wish. McGowan differentiates desire from enjoyment, explaining that while desire is the yearning for something and is closely linked to lack, enjoyment operates at a degree removed from desire, and one can experience enjoyment by either enjoying or being horrified by their desire.
The connection between capitalism and psychoanalysis
Dr. Todd McGowan argues that capitalism plays on unconscious desire and feeds on the inherent appeal of not obtaining the desired object. He asserts that capitalism introduces a constant state of dissatisfaction, with the promise of more accumulation driving individuals forward. McGowan further proposes that the staying power of capitalism is linked to the psychic allure it holds, explaining why both the exploited and ruling classes are invested and dissatisfied within the system.
The dominance of the commodity form in capitalism
Dr. Todd McGowan contends that capitalism is defined by the dominance of the commodity form, which promises more accumulation and satisfies desire through sustained lack. He asserts that capitalism capitalizes on the unconscious desire for not obtaining the object, providing a satisfaction that depends on the perpetual cycle of desire and accumulation. McGowan suggests that capitalism accommodates and adapts to different cultures, showing its radical adaptability and blind indifference to cultural contexts.
Desire, enjoyment, and ideology in capitalism
Dr. Todd McGowan emphasizes that desire and enjoyment play central roles in capitalism. While capitalism offers a false promise of satisfaction through accumulation, desire and enjoyment are ultimately shaped by the structure of capitalist society. McGowan argues that ideological narratives, which justify our lack in relation to capitalist structures, guide our desires and maintain our satisfaction in the constant cycle of consumption. He proposes that a psychoanalytic critique of capitalism can provide insight into the unconscious desires and motivations that fuel the system.
In our conversation with Todd McGowan we discuss his 2016 book Capitalism and Desire. Todd brings us through what he argues is the essential role of desire in capitalism—not as something which is repressed by the system, as many have argued, but rather how capitalism perpetuates itself through the very structure of desire. Without coming to terms with this, he says, any attempt to formulate a new system, or find the exit from capitalism, plays into the terms capitalism lays out in the form of “the promise.”