Interpassivity explores the delegation of enjoyment through external agents, challenging the dominant discourse of interactivity in art.
Beliefs without owners encompass pleasures that hold enjoyment, even if they are not openly acknowledged, challenging traditional notions of ideology.
Deep dives
Interpassivity as a Concept
Interpassivity is a concept that explores the delegation of enjoyment and the practice of experiencing pleasure through external agents, such as artworks or rituals. It challenges the idea of interactivity, suggesting that artworks can contain the passivity of observation, already fulfilling the viewer's enjoyment. The concept originated from questioning the dominant discourse of interactivity in electronic media art and expanded to understand the presence of interpassive structures in various aspects of everyday life. This includes examples like service art, where artists perform tasks on behalf of the audience, or intellectuals relying on copying machines to read in their place. Ultimately, interpassivity highlights the blurred line between active engagement and passive reception of pleasure, and the ways in which individuals can find meaning and satisfaction through these delegations of enjoyment.
The Influence of Jeejak's Work
Robert Fowler, in his conversation with the podcast hosts, discusses his relationship with Slavoj Zizek's work. He recalls being introduced to Zizek's writings through German publications and eventually establishing a personal friendship based on shared philosophical interests. While there were slight philosophical differences, their political alignments often aligned. Fowler expresses his admiration for Zizek's work, emphasizing its profound insights and clarity. He notes that Zizek's international success and growing following demonstrate the value and relevance of his philosophy. Overall, their engagement with Zizek's ideas has deeply informed Fowler's own work and shaped his understanding of cultural phenomena like interpassivity.
Interpassivity in Art and Rituals
Interpassivity extends beyond the realm of art and covers various rituals and practices in our lives. By examining the presence of interpassivity in different cultures and historical periods, Fowler highlights its role in rituals, rites of passage, and religious ceremonies. He argues that the concept of interpassivity sheds light on the interplay between active engagement and passive participation within these rituals. Fowler suggests that interpassivity offers a framework to understand the functions and complexities of cultural practices that involve delegating certain actions or experiences to external agents. The concept challenges the notion that all actions should be actively performed by individuals and presents a different perspective on how we engage with the sacred or engage in practices that hold personal significance.
Beliefs Without Owners and Illusions
Fowler touches upon the notion of beliefs without owners, drawing on Freud's concept of illusions. He explains that illusions are ideas or practices created based on wishes or desires, without necessarily being factually accurate. Fowler argues that our culture has undergone a shift from valuing certain adult pleasures that were once considered enjoyable, despite their potential risks or dangers, towards a more cautious and health-driven approach. He explores how societal changes have led to the devaluation of activities such as smoking or drinking, replacing them with non-dangerous alternatives. Fowler delves into the contrasting dynamics between faith and belief and how beliefs without owners encompass those silly little pleasures that hold meaning and enjoyment for individuals, even if they are not openly acknowledged. By examining the complexities of beliefs without owners, Fowler challenges traditional notions of ideology and offers a different perspective on the role of pleasure and enjoyment in contemporary culture.
This week, the fellas chat with Austrian philosopher Robert Pfaller, Professor of Philosophy and Cultural Theory at the University of Art and Design in Linz, and a founding member of a Vienna based psychoanalysis research group. We’re talking Illusions without Owners, Interpassivity, delegated enjoyment, What Life is Worth Living For and of course the sexual practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Will is in Paris, Peter is enjoying live music interpassively and Michael is subject to a gag order. To hear the rest of our discussion head to our PATREON for PART TWO, Discord access and many more episodes!
Thank you to everyone for all of your support!
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