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Acid Horizon
The Headless Politics of Georges Bataille with Stuart Kendall at the Durations Festival
Nov 18, 2024
Stuart Kendall, a scholar on Georges Bataille, dives deep into Bataille’s provocative thoughts on excess and political identity. They explore how Bataille's concepts can guide us through today's political landscape, contrasting emotional engagement in fascism with rational leftist approaches. The discussion also critiques modern consumerism's alienation, linking it to communal identity and desire. Kendall illuminates Bataille's insights on irrational violence and community resistance, framing these ideas as vital for understanding leadership and promoting multiplicity in politics.
01:19:13
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Quick takeaways
- Georges Bataille's political philosophy emphasizes the importance of balancing excess and expenditure to foster community rather than waste.
- The tension between homogeneity and heterogeneity reveals how social structures can foster conflict or cohesion, necessitating a nuanced approach.
Deep dives
Exploring Bataille's Political Thoughts
The core of Georges Bataille's political philosophy revolves around the concepts of excess and expenditure. Bataille sought to understand how societies can utilize wealth—be it energy or resources—in ways that promote community rather than waste. His analysis contrasts different political ideologies of his time, notably communism and fascism, examining how each addresses the use of communal energy and individual identity. He argues that fascism uses a charismatic leader to harness emotional identification within a homogeneous group, while communism often results in individual servitude to the state.
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