Night School

Religions are often embedded in their social, cultural and political contexts. Buddhism is no different. Contemporary Buddhism is caught between an image of a religion of peace and harmony, and increasingly one of political violence entwined in the nation-state. In this episode we try to disentangle the different strands that make up this complex religion through the perspective of a social theory.

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Idearaya is a grassroots, autonomous, youth-led festival of ideas that explores the politics of marginalization in an age of crisis and oppression. Join two of its curators, Maryam Lee and Muz Amer to explore the philosophy inspiring the curation of this very unique event. They discuss their strategic use of Bahasa Malaysia and choice of topics, among other things.

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This week we discuss the iconic French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan's theory of language. What is language, exactly? And what does it offer us? And how on earth is it connected to the phallus? Listen in to find out!

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As Malaysians face uncertain times, Fuad and Sharaad reflect on the valances and dimensions of optimism and pessimism. How can we best think of hope amidst trying times? Is optimism always bounded to pessimism? And could pessimism actually turn out to be a good thing, after all? We really hope you will join us for our usual weekly critical unpacking.

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... and a hundred schools of thought contend, or so goes the famous saying. Malaysia is experiencing its own advances in intellectual discourse via the flourishing of various autonomous, youth driven discussion circles that explore theories and ideas from the edge. Maryam Lee, Zikri Rahman and Megat Hanis, three of its movers and participants share their thoughts on this development.

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Night School regular Syed Muhiyuddin Al-Attas discusses an iconic theory of happiness from legendary philosopher Syed Naquib Al-Attas. Delving into the intricacies of the human soul, it offers a way out of the tragic trappings of modern secular existence.

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More than mere entertainment, science fiction is a meditation on the fate of humanity as they grapple with the consequences of their obsession with technology. Yin Shao Loong tells us what all that's about.

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In 1969 US national security advisor Henry Kissinger wrote, ”Our deepest challenge [will be] to base order on political multipolarity even though overwhelming military strength will remain with the two superpowers.” In 1989, after years in decline the USSR fell apart and the world was left with the effective dominance of the United States of America. Since then we have seen the rise of Russia, China, India and other BRIC nations. What does this mean for the notion of multi-polarity and the really existing distribution of power in the international system of nation-states?

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In order to be civilized, we must repress our truest desires to the point that they become no longer recognizable. This is the price of a sustainable life in a community, or so says Psychoanalytic icon Sigmund Freud. Fuad and Sharaad unpacks its implications.

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Curators Ong Jo-Lene and Yap Sau Bin join us this week to discuss art theory and how it is connected to the Malaysian context. How have artists responded to a divisive identity politics? How have they attempted to carve out alternative spaces of expression? Fuad and Sharaad probe critically, as always.

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