A Slovenian philosopher known for his provocative style and for analyzing films, jokes, and pop culture to explain complex theories. He combines the psychoanalysis of Jacques Lacan, the philosophy of Hegel, and Marxism. He became an intellectual celebrity, a frequent presence in public debates about politics and ideology.
Core ideas
Ideology works even when we think we no longer believe in it
Pop culture reveals hidden desires and contradictions of society
Global capitalism must be criticized radically, not just reformed
The tradition: Lacanian Marxism
Lacanian Marxism joins Marx's social critique with Lacan's psychoanalysis to understand how desire and ideology hold us captive. Žižek is the most famous name of this combination.
