Slavoj Žižek, philosopher and author of Freedom: A Disease Without A Cure, discusses fascinating topics such as the fetishization of knowledge, understanding the implications of speech and subjective engagement, issues with diversity and inclusion, societal perception of madness, knowing the future and the paradox of free choice, and interpreting historical events.
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Quick takeaways
Knowledge about big issues can sometimes serve as a fetish that allows us to disavow reality, but acknowledging the ecological crisis is important in preventing inactivity.
Freedom is not a static concept, but rather a constantly evolving understanding shaped by different groups and their ideologies, creating the need for ongoing reinterpretation and reevaluation.
Deep dives
The Paradox of Knowledge and Freedom
In times of hyperactivity, knowledge about big issues such as global warming can serve as a fetish that allows us to disavow the harsh reality. While the media may not openly cover the ecological crisis, the mere act of acknowledging it can sometimes block our activity. There is a contradiction in the fact that not everything is said even when there are confessions about the crisis. Knowledge does not necessarily lead to complete freedom, as some aspects may still be excluded. It is not simply about knowing, but also about the subjective engagement and social positioning of those who discuss these issues.
The Complex Notion of Freedom
Freedom is not a specific and well-defined term that remains constant throughout history. Each historical epoch brings forth a different understanding of freedom. Today, there is a fight between neo-conservative libertarian notions of freedom and the struggles for what freedom means. Different groups interpret freedom in various ways, based on their own interests and ideologies. The confusion and multiplicity surrounding the concept of freedom create a need for constant reinterpretation and reevaluation. The struggle for freedom is not just about choosing one meaning of freedom, but rather about the ongoing process of understanding and reshaping its meaning in different contexts.
The Strange Temporality of Freedom
The concept of freedom is intertwined with notions of fate, necessity, and contingency. The idea that knowing your future doesn't prevent it from happening is exemplified in stories like Appointment in Samara and the tragedy of Oedipus. The true space of freedom lies in the tension between contingency and necessity. Contingent possibilities only become necessary once they actualize themselves. The choice and manipulation of destiny itself becomes an integral part of freedom. Rewriting the past occurs at the level of the symbolic status of events, where the interpretation and meaning of historical events shift and evolve over time.
The Rewriting of History and Freedom
Historical events and works of art are not fixed in their meaning and interpretation. The understanding and significance of events like the Opium War in China can change through different epochs. The meanings attributed to events are not simply a result of projecting present experiences onto the past, but rather a dynamic process of reinterpretation. The openness and complexity of works like Shakespeare's plays allow for continuous reimagining and rewriting of their significance. The retroactive reevaluation of events and texts demonstrates the ongoing space of freedom in interpreting history.
Today we’re speaking with Slavoj Žižek for PART ONE of the official book launch with Bloomsbury Publishing of Žižek’s latest book Freedom: A Disease Without A Cure.
On this episode, we’re talking freedom, knowledge as a fetish, global warming, why the struggle for freedom is always the struggle for what freedom means, Jean Paul Sartre, Wittgenstein, Foucault, Kant and Hegel, contingency and necessity, and the strange temporality of freedom.
We’re also about to start our READING GROUP on Freedom: A Disease Without A Cure in our Discord which you can sign up for through our Patreon!
Thanks to Bloomsbury and all our Patreons, next up we’re speaking with Alenka Zupančič.