welcome to theory zero
theory zero will be sparse. It will have fewer words like “interfacticity”. theory zero will pair well with sweet light wines and Starbucks “Refreshers”.
There’s currently a lot of theory out there — vast quantities of my own stuff to begin with. “Theory is waiting”, said Gilles Grelet. Etymologically, it boils down to “watching”: empirics and theory are true cousin lifestyles. But working on theory means watching theory grow on its own accord. A skein of philosophical premises, a skeleton of conceits that are functionally specific but still generic in how they connect to practice, pragma, praxis. This is really fun for those with compatible personality disorders, but who else really cares?
theory zero conceals “the open veins of speculative work”. It’s a paper-thin surface at best, and at worse the raw, unjustifiable connective tissue on which provocations and strategies can glide ever so briefly before they become praxis again. Yes, it’s meant for larger audiences who typically won’t realize they need more theory until they ask themselves - something is happening; but what is it?
Whereas theory battles out its contradictions and insecurities in full public view, theory zero allows itself to sparkle with a naïveté that’s neither genuine nor fraudulent. It will guide the reader through the actual ongoing world you have to cope with.
theory zero will be frustrating to write. Bur is an ad astra per ardua moment that’s no longer avoidable, no longer deferrable, no longer theorizable. The indefinitely high abstraction mode of theory-causa-sui is no longer able to deal with and pose the cogent questions that impinge on the real concerns of practical people.
theory zero will deal with stuff you care about. Do hit me up with feedback on what that is. And hey, tell your friends!