Phalluses, Assholes & Dawkins' favorite book

[Frances Bolton (PHI)]

On Thu, 3 Dec 1998, david dorkin wrote:

> I agree with all of the above (or below) and am baffled by the
> attachment of some to Lacan and co. Has anyone tried to answer Chomsky's
> question as to why he can't understand anything more than the obvious
> platitudes in Lacan and co.'s work and no one can seem to explain even
> how to go about it? 

I don't think anyone expressed any real affinity for Lacan's theory. I
also think you rather overstate Chomsky's position--he did not say Lacan
was universally incomprehensible. A number of theorists have fruitfully
engaged Lacan's work--if you're looking for a model on how do to such
thing, I suggest you look to them.

> 
> While I have read some of the authors in question, is it not the case,
> for example, that it is not necessary to study neoclassical economics
> for one's lifetime before noting the ridiculous and counter-productive
> procedures and thinking represented in it?
> 
One need not spend a lifetime studying neoclassical economics before
offering criticisms of it, but one had better read it. One should also
realize that if one engages in such critque without taking seriously the
ideas one is critiquing, one will be dismissed as a charlatan and a crank.
For an example of such dismissal, read reviews of Sokal and Bricmont's
book. 

> Is it possible that it is simply a case of trying to appear radical and
> obtain career advancement while doing little of substance?

If you are asking this question about Sokal and Bricmont, you are
certainly correct in suggesting that they are trying to appear radical
while doing
little of substance. However, since they are both in the sciences, their
book will do little in the way of career advancement. If you are referring
to the theorists criticized by Sokal and Bricmont, I can't imagine what
grounds you have for suggesting that they are not serious. I also find it
difficult to believe that you would suggest that Irigary and Derrida have
done little of substance.

frances