In Alain Badiou’s philosophy, particularly as articulated in Being and Event, the term “faithful” refers to a subject’s unwavering commitment to an Event—a radical rupture that introduces a new truth into a given situation. This fidelity is not passive acknowledgment but an active, ongoing process of integrating the implications of the Event into the fabric of reality.
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Understanding Fidelity in Badiou’s Framework
- The Event: An Event, for Badiou, is an occurrence that disrupts the existing order, revealing possibilities previously unrecognized. It’s not just a significant happening but a transformative rupture that redefines what is conceivable within a situation.
- Fidelity: Being faithful to an Event means committing to the truth it unveils, even when that truth challenges established norms. This involves a sustained effort to explore and actualize the consequences of the Event, effectively reshaping the situation in light of the new truth.
- Subjectivation: Through fidelity, an individual becomes a “subject” in Badiou’s sense—not merely a person but an active participant in the unfolding of a truth. This subject is constituted by their commitment to the Event and their role in realizing its implications.
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Illustrative Examples
- Politics: The French Revolution can be seen as an Event. Fidelity here involves embracing the revolutionary ideals and working to implement them, transforming societal structures accordingly.
- Science: The development of Einstein’s theory of relativity disrupted classical physics. Scientists who pursued and expanded upon this theory demonstrated fidelity by exploring its implications and integrating them into the scientific understanding of the universe.
- Art: The advent of Cubism introduced a new way of seeing and representing reality. Artists who adopted and evolved this style showed fidelity by committing to its principles and exploring its possibilities.
- Love: In In Praise of Love, Badiou describes love as an Event—a chance encounter that opens up a new perspective on the world. Fidelity in love involves nurturing this new perspective, building a shared truth over time.
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Key Takeaways
- Fidelity is Active: It’s not merely about belief but about action—continuously working to realize the truth revealed by the Event.
- Truths are Constructed: For Badiou, truths are not pre-existing entities to be discovered but are constructed through the process of fidelity.
- Subjectivity is Emergent: One becomes a subject through the act of fidelity, engaging with the Event and its consequences.
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Further Reading
For a deeper exploration of Badiou’s concepts:
- Being and Event: This foundational text outlines Badiou’s ontology and his theory of the Event and fidelity.
- Ethics: An Essay on the Understanding of Evil: Here, Badiou discusses the ethical implications of fidelity and the role of the subject.
- In Praise of Love: This work applies Badiou’s philosophy to the realm of love, illustrating how fidelity operates in intimate relationships.
Engaging with these texts will provide a comprehensive understanding of how fidelity functions within Badiou’s philosophical system and its significance in various domains of human experience.