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Theory Underground

THE GRAPH OF DESIRE + What Is Philosophy? Lacan and Deleuze with Terence Blake of Agent Swarm

Nov 8, 2024
Terence Blake, a scholar with 40 years of expertise in French theory and a key contributor to Agent Swarm, dives into the philosophical complexities of desire through Lacan and Deleuze. He discusses the 'graph of desire' and its implications for identity in our social media age. Blake highlights how rigid beliefs can impede growth and emphasizes the need for self-reflection. The conversation also touches on the interplay between personal identity and communal roles, illustrating how engaging with diverse perspectives enriches philosophical understanding.
58:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The graph of desire serves as an analytical framework, illustrating the interconnectedness of demand, desire, and drive in philosophical inquiry.
  • Philosophy is portrayed as a cyclic journey, emphasizing the dialectical interplay between knowledge, desire, and the continual questioning of concepts.

Deep dives

Understanding the Graph of Desire

The graph of desire is redefined not only as a diagram illustrating desire but also as an analytical framework connecting philosophy with the psychological theories of Lacan. It breaks down into three components: demand, desire, and drive, which represent different levels of human experience and thought. The discussion highlights the transition from understanding desire as a mere concept to recognizing it as a journey through these three phases. The essence lies in the application of this graph to philosophical inquiry, illustrating how these concepts interconnect with deeper reflections on what constitutes philosophy itself.

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