Theoretical Writings - Paperback

by Alain Badiou (Author), Ray Brassier (Editor), Alberto Toscano (Editor)

Alain Badiou is arguable the most important and original philosopher working in France today. Swimming against the tide of postmodern orthodoxy, Badiou's work revitalizes philosophy's perennial attempt to provide a systematic theory of truth. This volume presents for the first time in English a comprehensive overview of Badiou's ambitious system. Beginning with Badiou's controversial assertion that ontology is mathematics, this volume sets out his theory of the emergence of truths from the singular relationship between a subject and an event. Also included is a substantial extract from Badiou's forthcoming work on the logics of appearance and the concept of world, presented here in advance of its French publication. Ranging from startling re-readings of canonical figures (Spinoza, Kant and Hegel) to decisive engagements with poetry, psychoanalysis and radical politics, Theoretical Writings is an indispensable introduction to one of the great thinkers of our time.

Author Biography

Alain Badiou teaches at the Ecole Normale Superieure and at the College International de Philosophie in Paris, France. In addition to several novels, plays and political essays, he has published a number of major philosophical works.

Ray Brassier is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. Alberto Toscano is Lecturer in Sociology at Goldsmiths College, University of London. He is the editor and translator, with Ray Brassier, of Alain Badiou's Theoretical Writings (London: Continuum, 2004).