Reading Group: Slavoj Žižek's "Hegel in a Wired Brain"

For this iteration of the Philosophy of Life Sciences Reading Group, we will be reading Slavoj Žižek's Hegel in a Wired Brain, focussing specifically on Chapter 2, The Idea of a Wired Brain and its Limitations.

Through a Hegelian and psychoanalytic lens, Žižek analyses the Singularity, especially from the point of view of Elon Musk's Neuralink and externalist theories of mind. He uses sexuality to show how enjoyment comes from the failure/deferral of the goal, not from unmediated pleasure but from its own mediation. If the Singularity promises unmediated brain-to-brain contact, what happens to desire and subjectivity? A rare instance of Žižek's writing not leaning much into "Lacanese", and rich with references not only to Hegel but also to TV shows and films.

Bear in mind that this will be an introduction to Žižek's work, but whether you're new to his writing or already familiar with it, anyone from any background is welcome! If you’d like the pdf or to ask any question feel free to drop me a message. Please don’t worry too much about the RSVP list, this event is advertised elsewhere, and we have already a number of routine attenders.

Doors open at 12:00, the discussion starts at 12:30pm.