PlasticPills Critical Theory & Philosophy Pill Pod 186 - The Post-Political Singularity Everywhere (preview)
Oct 30, 2024
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.
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Online Theories Form A Collective Unconscious
- Online radical theories share an anti-liberal, anti-status-quo energy that feels cohesive despite being disconnected.
- These groups form a collective unconscious that amplifies fantasies of political overhaul.
Dark Enlightenment As Meme-Politics Soup
- 'Dark Enlightenment' and right-wing accelerationism circulate as internet soup that bleeds into real-world meme politics.
- Nick Land links this theory-network to figures in tech and reactionary politics who mythologize darkness and power.
Mythic Fantasy Meets Tech Networks
- Nick Land jokes that adherents obsessed with Lord of the Rings might as well call themselves Sauron and admit they're spreading darkness.
- He connects these mythic affectations to real networks like the so-called PayPal mafia and Yarvin's circle.