Why Theory

Latest Episodes:

Contradiction Jul 08, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Ryan and Todd explore the problem of contradiction, especially as it appears in Hegel's philosophy. In doing so, they work through the argument of Todd's new book on Hegel, "Emancipation After Hegel: Achieving a Contradictory Revolution." They debate the thesis of the book--that the end point of Hegel's philosophy is reconciliation with contradiction--while pondering the ramifications of contradiction for politics.

An Afternoon with Slavoj Zizek -- Hegel Jun 24, 2019

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In the third of a series of three special episodes featuring Slavoj Zizek, Ryan and Todd respond to Todd's interview with Slavoj concerning his relationship to Hegel. Slavoj brings up questions about Todd's interpretation of Hegel in his new book, specifically the claim about the end of history and the idea that Hegel argues for political freedom. Building on the interview, Ryan and Todd ponder how we might think of progress in Hegelian terms.

An Afternoon with Slavoj Zizek -- Lacan Jun 10, 2019

Show notes

In the second of a series of three special episodes featuring Slavoj Zizek, Ryan and Todd respond to Todd's interview with Slavoj concerning his relationship to Lacan. They cover what Slavoj thinks is the key Lacanian concept and seminar, as well as Slavoj's assessment of trans theory. Ryan questions Slavoj's written interventions on this issue for not highlighting the way that the psychoanalytic theory of subjectivity speaks directly to the trans position.

An Afternoon with Slavoj Zizek -- Marx May 29, 2019

Show notes

This special episode includes Todd's discussion with Slavoj Zizek about Marxism, conducted just before his debate with Jordan Peterson. Todd and Slavoj discuss why one might insist on the moniker "Marxist" today and why one might call it into question. Ryan and Todd then delve into the issues raised by Slavoj's responses. They focus Marx's relationship with Hegel and the implications of this relationship for politics.

Immediacy May 14, 2019

Show notes

In this special episode recorded at the 2019 LACK Conference, Ryan and Todd talk with theorist Anna Kornbluh about the proliferating sense of immediacy in contemporary society. Building on her talk at the conference, Kornbluh sketches the growing absence of evidence of mediation in a heavily mediated world. Ryan, Todd, and Anna then speculate on the signs of this absence and how we might combat it.

A Signifier for the Left May 07, 2019

Show notes

Ryan and Todd are joined by theorist Paul Eisenstein to discuss the most appropriate signifier for the Left. They weigh several possibilities, including "progressivism," "socialism," and "communism," among others. They contend that the signifier for the Left must evoke contradiction and avoid the promise of future harmony.

Us Apr 20, 2019

Show notes

We explore the theoretical resonance of the Jordan Peele film Us (2019), focusing particularity on the relationship between the individual psyche and collective politics. We also delve into what the film might have to say about fetishistic disavowal and commodity fetishism, key terms from Freud and Marx, respectively.

Cynicism (Aphorism 3) Apr 05, 2019

Show notes

Cynicism functions as perhaps the most prevalent form of subjectivity in the contemporary landscape. In this episode, Ryan and Todd trace the origins of cynicism, locate its presence in today's society, and try to understand its appeal. The cynical position involves violating Jacques Lacan's famous aphorism, "The non-duped err." The cynic fails to believe in the symbolic fiction and imagines that it is possible to accede directly to the truth. This refusal to be duped results in an inability to recognize the necessity of political struggle and facilities disengagement.

Conspiracy Theories Mar 21, 2019

Show notes

Todd and Ryan discuss the structure of conspiracy theories, how their internal logic logic works and their ultimate reliance on imagining what Lacan would call "the other of the other."

Sexuation (Aphorism 2) Mar 04, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, Todd and Ryan come to grips with another of Lacan's many aphorisms: "there is no sexual relationship." After first defining Lacan's idea against the dominant ideological notion of complementarity in the romantic tie (i.e. "You complete me"), Todd and Ryan sketch out when and where the phrase appears in Lacan's oeuvre, how it develops, and what contemporary relevance the idea has. As with the first Aphorism episode, this podcast ends with a film recommendation that helps explain the concept.

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