Pill Pod 186 - The Post-Political Singularity Everywhere (preview)
Oct 30, 2024
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Slavoj Žižek, a Slovenian philosopher renowned for his Hegelian and Lacanian insights, joins influential theorist Nick Land, known for his ideas on accelerationism. They explore contemporary political futures, highlighting how various movements—from the optimistic radical democracies to the unsettling Christofascists—share a common trait: their extreme optimism seems implausible. The discussion also tackles the post-political singularity concept, questioning its impact on society and how it intersects with social media and the evolving landscape of ideologies.
The rise of radical ideologies like right-wing accelerationism reflects deep-seated anxieties about modern liberalism and societal norms.
A vision of a 'post-political singularity' suggests a desire to transcend current political structures, raising concerns about the future implications.
Deep dives
The Rise of Anti-Liberal Sentiments
Recent discussions highlight a surge in anti-liberal and anti-status quo sentiments circulating primarily online. Various ideologies, such as right-wing accelerationism and the notion of a 'dark enlightenment', are gaining traction among certain groups, revealing a complex interplay between digital discourse and real-world politics. This phenomenon showcases a collective unconscious that reflects anxieties over market stability and societal norms, suggesting that what appears as a crumbling liberal framework in online spaces could potentially manifest in reality. The mention of notable figures, such as a CEO participating in dark-themed events, further underscores the influence of these radical ideologies spilling over into the public sphere.
The Concept of a Post-Political Singularity
The conversation explores the idea of a 'singularity' that transcends current political structures, aiming for a state where politics as we know it is no longer necessary. This vision resonates across various radical ideologies, both right and left, as there is a shared yearning for a resolution to political fragmentation and conflict. The accelerationist perspective argues for intensifying capitalism to reach a post-human, cybernetic future, which raises questions about the implications of such a transformation. The dialogue also touches upon the role of theorists like Zizek and Land in framing these concepts, emphasizing that the drive towards depoliticization could have differing interpretations and consequences, ultimately affecting societal organization.
Today we take the temperature of all the new futures popping up—the various Acc/s, the radical democracies, the Christofascists, and the Magacomms—and psychoanalyze them as all sharing one trait: they're too optimistic to be believed.
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