May 13, 2007

Zizek On YouTube

Slavoj Zizek has, for quite some time, been one of my favourite philosophers. So, I struggle when people claim his work is hard to read (especially when that claim comes from people trained in theology). In response to a few recent emails and comments from folks trying to work through his books and writings, I […]

Slavoj Zizek has, for quite some time, been one of my favourite philosophers. So, I struggle when people claim his work is hard to read (especially when that claim comes from people trained in theology). In response to a few recent emails and comments from folks trying to work through his books and writings, I went searching for some clips on YouTube – and was not disappointed!

The first clip shows Zizek in fine form on a TV talkshow in 2003 (the interviewer is hilarious). Slavoj is outlining the basic thesis of the book, The Puppet And The Dwarf. It’s a great performance, full of energy, clarity and wit. To follow that up, here is a second clip (there’s lots to choose from, including meaty lectures) that also expounds the ideas from the book as well as Zizek’s notion of what it means to be a philosopher.