Psychopolitics of Speech - Uncivil Discourse and the Excess of Desire

Public discourse is often uncivil and delusional due to the way speech works to organize desire, stimulating an excess in subjectivity that moves us in body and mind. James Martin argues that civil discourse can never hope to escape its obscene underside and draws upon the work of psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan to set out a new approach to the analysis of rhetoric.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

The remarkable ability of humans to communicate through speech is widely acknowledged as a testament to our inherent civility. However, it is disheartening to observe that public discourse, particularly in contemporary times, often exhibits a lack of civility and even delusion. In his timely book, James Martin delves into the underlying reasons behind this phenomenon. He argues that the primary culprit lies in the way speech functions to organize desire. Unlike knowledge or rational interests, public speech caters to an unconscious yearning for a lost sense of enjoyment, fostering an excessive subjectivity that impacts both our bodies and minds.

To explore this issue further, James Martin draws upon the insights of psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan and other Continental thinkers. He proposes a novel approach to analyzing rhetoric that aims to shed light on the troubling question of whether civil discourse can ever hope to transcend its obscene underbelly. Through his comprehensive analysis, Martin challenges the prevailing notion that speech is merely a means of communication and suggests that it holds a deeper significance. He argues that speech is not just a tool for expressing our thoughts and ideas but also plays a crucial role in shaping our desires and emotions.

Furthermore, Martin highlights the pernicious effects of the excessive subjectivity fostered by public speech. He argues that it leads to a breakdown of rationality and a disregard for objective truth. Instead, we become entangled in our own subjective experiences, which can distort our perception of reality and hinder meaningful communication. This, in turn, contributes to the polarization of society and the erosion of civil discourse.

In conclusion, James Martin's book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between speech, desire, and civility. By challenging the conventional understanding of rhetoric, he provides a fresh perspective on the challenges facing public discourse in contemporary society. Through his insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Martin encourages us to reflect on the ways in which we use speech and to strive for a more civil and rational exchange of ideas. Only by embracing a more nuanced and conscious approach to public speech can we hope to create a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837639193