Zizek's Perspective on Ideology and Reality

Zizek argues against Fukuyama's belief in an ultimate political ideology, instead emphasizing the never-ending nature of knowledge and the dialectical process. He defines absolute knowledge as accepting the constant negotiation and tension in our understanding of reality, stating that truth lies in this ongoing process. Despite the awareness of ideology, Zizek asserts the necessity of ideology for human functioning, describing it as a psychological coping mechanism or a tool for distancing oneself from reality. He shares a story illustrating how people use ideology to avoid facing pain or harsh realities, posing a thought experiment questioning what individuals use as their 'hamster' - a metaphor for a distraction from reality. Zizek challenges the role of various distractions like technology, entertainment, and vices in shaping individuals' perceptions and engagement with the world, raising the question of how much people would change their behavior and political choices if these distractions were suddenly removed.