Description
Book SynopsisSlavoj Zizek is no ordinary philosopher. Approaching critical theory and psychoanalysis in a recklessly entertaining fashion, Zizek''s critical eye alights upon a bewildering and exhilarating range of subjects, from the political apathy of contemporary life, to a joke about the man who thinks he''s a chicken, from the ethicial heroism of Keanu Reeves in Speed, to what toilet designs reveal about the national psyche. Tony Myers provides a clear and engaging guide to Zizek''s key ideas, explaining the main influences on Zizek''s thought (most crucially his engagement with Lacanian psychoanalysis) using examples drawn from popular culture and everyday life. Myers outlines the key issues that Zizek''s work has tackled, including:
- What is a Subject and why is it so important?
- The Imaginary, the Symbolic and the Real
- What is so terrible about Postmodernity?
- How can we distinguish reality from ideology?
- What is the relationship between me
Table of Contents
Part 1: Why Zizek? When Zizek Shudders (We Don't Have To): Popular Culture and Philosophy? Is This Not The Way To Read Zizek? Subject Of A Biography: Biography Of A Subject; This Book Part 2: Key Ideas Who Are Zizek's Influences And How Do They Affect His Work? What Is A Subject And Why Is It So Important? What Is So Terrible About Postmodernity? How Can We Distinguish Reality From Ideology? What Is The Relationship Between Men And Women? Why Is Racism Always A Fantasy? Part 3: After Zizek The Curse of Jacques: Limitations On The Influence of Zizek; Leftism; Universal Criticism; The Retroactive Zizek
