Ideology Critique. Today!

Participants: Mladen Dolar, Rainer Forst, Regina Kreide, Martin Saar, Alenka Zupančič, Slavoj Žižek
Moderator: Frank Ruda

Summary: The Ideology Critique. Today! panel will bring together key theorists from the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory and the Ljubljana School of Psychoanalysis

Description: The contemporary world seems to be in disarray: an imminent (or rather already occurring) ecological crisis of unprecedented proportions is currently juxtaposed with never before seen forms of socioeconomic and political inequality; new forms of technological domination and control coincide with a resurgence of populisms and authoritarianisms; signifiers once associated with emancipatory social movements and theories (for example, freedom! or self-determination!) are frequently being employed these days for non-emancipatory and reactionary uses. What can be done in the present situation? Can “theory” provide guidance? And if yes, how?

The Ideology Critique. Today! panel will bring together key theorists from the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory and the Ljubljana School of Psychoanalysis—each presenting and speaking on their own behalf, rather than as representatives of a school—to critically discuss and to examine the possibilities, limitations and insights of the various approaches to ideology critique today, in the light of a world in disarray. After a series of opening statements, the panel will address the current crisis and the contemporary paradoxes of authority and sovereignty, among other things. The “Ideology Critique. Today!” panel is part of the program of the Guest of Honour, Slovenia, at the 2023 Frankfurt Book Fair.

Co-organiser: Goethe Universität, ZRC SAZU