Zerrissenheit and schizoanalysis: philosophy, pedagogy and media ecology in the Japanese context

Bradley, Joff Peter Norman (2016) Zerrissenheit and schizoanalysis: philosophy, pedagogy and media ecology in the Japanese context. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

This thesis, as a work of applied schizoanalysis, focuses on the social, affective and pedagogical issues pertaining to communication technologies, and the breakdown and breakthroughs of individuals that use these technologies, particularly in educational institutions. Detailed attention is given to the nature of 'control societies’ (Deleuze, 1992) within Asian educational contexts. The core conceptualisation of the thesis is that the crisis in modern societies can be explained heuristically by utilising the notions of Zerrissenheit and schizoanalysis. The thesis argues that schizoanalysis can be used as a political and cultural tool with widespread application and relevance in exploring and explaining areas pertaining to education, language, communication and affect. Honing in on specific examples, the thesis explores the decline of writing, endemic passivity, detachment, and loneliness as striking forms of social schizophrenia in East Asia. Where applicable I use the concept of Zerrissenheit or torn-to-pieces-hood to test the interrogative power of this thesis as a schizo tool for explaining contemporary (a)social phenomenon. This thesis explicates upon and is informed by Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s individual and collaborative works, as well as the philosophy of Bernard Stiegler. This thesis contributes to the fields of continental thought and philosophy, and critical educational studies, by addressing the negative effects of technology and the proliferation of psychopathologies and maladies in Japan and further afield.