Why Theory

Quick note: This episode was distance recorded in a way different from other Why Theory episodes. Technology was not our friend before this recording, so the audio quality may be somewhat lesser than ...

12 Nov 20181h 10min

In this episode, Todd and Ryan discuss the theoretical idea of rupture. Further topics include: the difference between rupture and event; the difference between Badiou and Zizek (which might be the di...

29 Okt 20181h 21min

On this episode, Todd and I discuss the interrelated terms of surveillance, punishment, and crime. We try to work through these terms from psychoanalytic theory (focusing on enjoyment, of course) agai...

12 Okt 20181h 12min

In this episode, Todd and I discuss dialectics (as the title of the episode implies). After charting the historical development of the term, we focus on the different roles dialectics play for Kant an...

5 Okt 20181h 5min

In this episode, Todd and I work through two of psychoanalytic theory's most fundamental terms: desire and drive. Despite how fundamental these terms are there exists a fair amount of disagreement. Fa...

15 Sep 20181h 2min

On this episode, Todd and I discuss enjoyment in contemporary politics. Working through enjoyment as a psychoanalytic idea, this episode focuses on the appeal of Trump, the lack of enjoyment in the De...

31 Aug 20181h 6min

Thanks for tuning in to Why Theory. On this episode, Todd and I discuss three interrelated terms: the master signifier, the quilting point, and the universal. Our conversation starts with a discussion...

16 Aug 20181h 6min

In this episode, Todd and Ryan theorize the universal and particular as political concepts. The particular aims at aggregating an "all" and accepts the political situation or sphere for what it is. Th...

27 Jul 201856min