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Professor Slavoj Žižek | Full Address and Q&A | Oxford Union

OxfordUnion・2 minutes read

The speaker discusses a wide range of topics, from Jewish jokes to LGBTQ+ theory, continental and analytical philosophy, Christianity, and the impact of quantum physics, with a focus on societal perceptions, human relationships, and political dynamics. The text highlights the need for genuine engagement with different perspectives, challenges traditional norms, and questions the limitations of human understanding.

Insights

  • The speaker covers a wide range of topics, from Jewish jokes to political critiques, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humor, identity, and social issues.
  • The discussion delves into complex philosophical and political concepts, highlighting the need to navigate between traditional ideologies and emerging challenges like ecological awareness and the impact of globalization on democratic processes.

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Recent questions

  • What is the speaker's stance on white liberals and immigrants?

    The speaker critiques how white liberals treat immigrants, emphasizing the need for recognition and respect. They highlight the importance of acknowledging and respecting the identities and experiences of immigrants, suggesting that white liberals may not always engage with immigrants in a genuine or respectful manner.

  • How does the speaker view Christianity and individual responsibility?

    The speaker discusses Christianity as a religion of atheism, emphasizing the acceptance of individual responsibility as a divine gift. They suggest that Christianity, when taken seriously, focuses on individual responsibility rather than relying solely on a distant God for salvation. This perspective highlights the importance of personal accountability within the Christian faith.

  • What is the speaker's opinion on the future challenges facing Marxism?

    The speaker expresses doubts about traditional Marxist approaches in the face of challenges like ecology and biogenetics. They question the effectiveness of traditional Marxist strategies in mobilizing people, especially considering the uncertainties posed by ecological issues and advancements in biogenetics. This reflection indicates a need for reevaluation and adaptation within Marxist frameworks.

  • How does the speaker interpret the concept of victimhood?

    The speaker discusses victimhood as a tool for moral authority, suggesting that it can be used to assert power and influence. They explore how individuals may leverage their experiences of victimization to establish moral authority and influence others. This perspective sheds light on the complex dynamics of victimhood and power within social contexts.

  • What is the speaker's view on the relationship between continental and analytical philosophy?

    The speaker delves into the dialogue between continental and analytical philosophy, raising questions about their coexistence and justification. They highlight the challenges faced by continental philosophers in defending their approach against the dominance of analytical philosophy. This discussion underscores the ongoing tension and complexity between these philosophical traditions in academic settings.

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Summary

00:00

"Gratitude, Philosophy, Identity, and Humor"

  • The speaker expresses gratitude for the invitation and shares a preference for Mediterranean weather.
  • The speaker plans to introduce philosophical ideas with practical consequences and end with political remarks.
  • Two Jewish jokes are shared, highlighting the theme of humility and privilege.
  • A discussion on asserting ethnic and religious identities, with examples of Native American and white privilege.
  • The speaker critiques how white liberals treat immigrants, emphasizing the need for recognition and respect.
  • The concept of victimhood as a tool for moral authority is discussed.
  • The idea of surplus enjoyment in denigrating oneself is explained.
  • The speaker delves into LGBTQ+ theory, focusing on the concept of the "plus" as a specific position.
  • The subject's excess beyond its definition is linked to femininity and self-questioning.
  • A joke about Jews in paradise discussing their deaths at Auschwitz is shared, touching on theological paradoxes and the absence of God.

21:41

"Philosophical debates: continental vs analytical philosophy"

  • Simplification creates an image of the enemy, like in the US where Trump is seen as the enemy, but one should question the reasons behind his rise.
  • China's unique combination of communism and capitalism has led to significant economic development, showcasing a successful blend of ideologies.
  • The future seems uncertain, with challenges like ecology and biogenetics posing doubts on traditional Marxist approaches to mobilizing people.
  • Varoufakis advocates for more democracy in Europe, but the potential rise of xenophobia through democratic elections raises concerns.
  • Political correctness and moralism have shifted the dynamics of left and right movements, prompting a need for new strategies in political struggle.
  • Christianity, when taken seriously, can be seen as a religion of atheism, emphasizing a unique relationship with God and the community of believers.
  • The core of Christianity lies in accepting individual responsibility as a divine gift, rather than relying on a distant God for salvation.
  • The concept of Second Coming in Christianity is reinterpreted as the presence of Christ in the community of believers, emphasizing the importance of human relationships.
  • The dialogue between continental and analytical philosophy raises questions about the justification of existence for continental philosophers in academic settings.
  • The burden often falls on continental philosophers to defend their approach in the face of the dominance of analytical philosophy in academic institutions like Oxford.

41:26

"Complexity of 21st Century Continental Philosophy"

  • Continental philosophy in the 21st century is seen as more integrated and complex, with some admiration for analytic philosophy but also criticism for not taking scientific truth seriously.
  • A gap between realism and transcendental approach is highlighted, with realism aiming to describe reality as it is and transcendental reasoning emphasizing the circular nature of argumentation.
  • Philosophers like Habermas focus on normative discursive structures that scientific procedures cannot explain, showcasing the limitations of scientific perspectives.
  • Michel Foucault's view on knowledge suggests that different epochs share underlying presuppositions, influencing how questions about reality are framed.
  • Marxists, particularly Western Marxists, view nature as historically over-determined, with nature's meaning evolving through social practices.
  • The challenge posed is whether it's possible to move beyond the transcendental approach without reverting to naive realism, exploring the historical horizon of meaning.
  • Criticism of science, like a theological critique of Darwin's work, can offer insights when viewed as a theory of ideology, exemplifying the creation of false impressions.
  • Quantum physics advancements, particularly in quantum gravity theory, suggest a reality beyond what is perceived, questioning the completeness of our understanding.
  • The philosopher's analogy of quantum universe parallels video games, illustrating the ontological incompleteness of reality and the limitations of human perception.
  • The discussion on the Anthropocene era delves into the human impact on nature, questioning the assumption of a balanced natural order and the need for ecological awareness without illusions.

01:02:21

"Reduced Racism, Fear of Harassment, and Populism"

  • Racism is reduced to cultural tolerance, with harassment also having a narcissistic undertone of keeping distance.
  • Fear of harassment is not just about harassment but also about the fear of over proximity to the real other.
  • Leftists may appear to like immigrants, but their acceptance may lack genuine engagement with the real other.
  • The societal trend is to desire products in a cleansed form, like beer without alcohol, chocolate without fat, and coffee without caffeine.
  • Sex is equated with hot sex, and multiculturalism is criticized for lacking engagement with the real other.
  • Populism is defined as creating enemies, with concerns about market reactions to political shifts like Corbyn's potential economic policies.
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