What is the stuff that binds us to the world? | Slavoj Žižek, Carlo Rovelli, Alenka Zupančič

Episode Overview

• The discussion explores the nature of the self, reality, and experience, bringing together perspectives from theoretical physics and philosophy.
• Panelists debate whether there is a single "fundamental" layer of reality or if our understanding is always relative to a particular perspective (e.g., physics, economics, psychology).
• The conversation touches on how consciousness and the self emerge, questioning whether they are mysterious phenomena or natural processes explainable through different frameworks.
• The role of language is examined as both a tool that connects us to reality and a system whose inherent failures and inconsistencies give rise to human subjectivity.

Key Concepts

• Relational Reality: Theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli argues against the idea of a single, absolute "fundamental" reality. Instead, concepts are fundamental only from a specific perspective (e.g., atoms for physics, desires for psychology).
• The Nature of Experience: Philosopher Slavoj Žižek defines a "true experience" not as the confirmation of a theory, but as a disruptive event that shatters one's existing worldview and presuppositions.
• The Self as a Negative Construct: Philosopher Alenka Zupančič suggests that the self or subject emerges from an inherent inconsistency or "negativity" within reality itself, rather than being a positive substance.
• Quantum Observer: Rovelli explains that in quantum physics, an "observer" doesn't have to be a conscious being. It can be any object that is affected by a process, such as a detector, a screen, or even a stone.
• Language and Subjectivity: Žižek posits that the human subject exists within the symbolic universe of language, but is defined by the very failure of language to fully express the self. This gap between intention and expression is where the subject resides.

Quotes

• At 00:06 - "When something happens which literally destroys the very network of presuppositions, it literally destroys your world." - Slavoj Žižek explains his definition of a true, transformative experience.
• At 00:55 - "The word 'fundamental' is meaningless. There are things which are fundamental from the perspective of physics... there are things fundamental from the perspective of my desires." - Carlo Rovelli argues that what we consider fundamental is always relative to a specific context or framework.
• At 07:20 - "The subject names this very failure. How do you know that I am a subject? When I try to say something but fail, and only through an authentic failure can we grasp the direction of the self." - Slavoj Žižek suggests that subjectivity is not found in perfect self-expression, but in the gap created by language's inability to capture our full meaning.

Takeaways

• Challenge the notion of a single, ultimate truth. Instead, consider that what is "fundamental" changes depending on the framework you use, whether it's scientific, psychological, or personal.
• Embrace moments of profound confusion or crisis. A true experience is one that shatters your existing worldview, forcing you to reconstruct your understanding of reality and yourself.
• Don't strive for perfect self-expression. Recognize that the self emerges from the inherent failures and gaps in language; our stumbles and inability to say exactly what we mean are what reveal our unique subjectivity.