Theoretical Writings

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.

The volume also features a preface written by the author especially for this collection.

Badiou's efforts to wrest philosophy from the grasp of postmodernism have resulted in original and controversial work toward philosophy's roots in seeking a systematic theory of truth. Brassier (modern European philosophy, Middlesex U.) and Toscano (sociology, Goldsmith's College, U. of London) provide a precise translation of Badiou's recent theoretical works, grouped into his thought on ontology as mathematics, the subtraction of truth, and the logic of appearance. Along with his commentary on Plato, Spinoza, Kant, and Hegel and how they fit into his own thought, Badiou builds his systematic approach to the emergence of truths from the singular relationship between a subject and an event. This volume includes an extract of Badiou's forthcoming work on the logic of appearance and the concept of "world." Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Alain Badiou teaches at the École Normale Supérieure and at the Collège 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).