Philosophy in the Present

by Alain Badiou, Slavoj Zizel, Slavoj Žižek

Book Overview

Two controversial thinkers discuss a timeless but nonetheless urgent question: should philosophy intervene in the world?

Nothing less than philosophy is at stake because, according to Badiou, philosophy is intervention and commitment and will not be restrained by academic discipline. Philosophy is concerned with novel extraordinary truths, and yet speaks in the name of all - as Badiou shows in his theory of universality.

Similarly, Zizek believes that the philosopher must intervene, contrary to all expectations, in the key issues of the time. Philosophy does not provide guidance, but it tells us that we are asking the wrong questions. We can change the terms of the debate and settle on philosophy as abnormality and excess.

At once an invitation to philosophy and an introduction to the thinking of two of the most topical and controversial philosophers writing today, this concise volume will be of great interest to students and general readers alike.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0745640974
• ISBN13: 9780745640976
• Release Date: December 2009
• Publisher: Polity Press
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 4.8" x 7.4"