Alain Badiou

Portrait by Olivier Zahm

interview and portrait by OLIVIER ZAHM

 

ALAIN BADIOU is the sole remaining pillar of the critical philosophy of the 1970s. For decades Badiou was overshadowed by the likes of Foucault, Deleuze, and Althusser, but today his ideas are being rewarded with the consideration of a new generation of thinkers. His growing philosophical influence can be attributed to his surprising loyalty to both metaphysics and politics. After a long period of metaphysical deconstruction — lasting from Nietzche to Deleuze — Badiou is now reinventing a radically new metaphysical system, one combining Plato and Lacan. But he’s not only the last metaphysician, he’s also the last Maoist of the French intellectual scene, still protesting in the street for the rights of immigrant workers. How is it possible today to be both a Communist and a Platonist — and to garner the enthusiasm…