The Vicarious Self

Robert Pfaller’s Chilling Verdict on a Life Lived by Proxy

We believe we are the masters of our own experience, the sole consumers of our joy and sorrow. But a chilling diagnosis from Austrian philosopher Robert Pfaller suggests we are living a profound delusion. We have begun to outsource the very act of feeling, delegating our enjoyment to the machines in our living rooms, the algorithms on our screens, and the cultural proxies that laugh, watch, and consume on our behalf.

This is the world of interpassivity: a state in which we derive a strange satisfaction not from living, but from knowing that life is being lived for us by a proxy. It is a critique of a society so overwhelmed by the demand to participate and enjoy that it has hired a ghost to do the work, leaving the self hollowed out and strangely serene in its own absence.

The Concept of Interpassivity

Interpassivity is a theoretical framework that explores the phenomenon of delegating enjoyment and experiences to external objects or intermediaries, such as media or technology. This concept suggests that individuals often derive pleasure not directly from their own experiences, but through a third party that “consumes” or “feels” on their behalf, thus creating a complex relationship between the observer and the observed.

Delegated Enjoyment

The essence of interpassivity lies in the idea that enjoyment can be transferred to something other than the individual experiencing it. For instance, a person may rely on a photocopier to “study” texts or a Tivo box to “watch” movies, allowing these devices to assume the burden of engagement. This delegation of enjoyment highlights a shift in how individuals interact with cultural artifacts, where the act of engagement is perceived as being fulfilled through the agency of an external object rather than personal involvement.

Philosophical Underpinnings

Interpassivity contrasts sharply with the notion of interactivity, which emphasizes active participation and engagement. Philosophers like Robert Pfaller argue against the prevailing belief that activity is inherently positive, suggesting that the act of becoming an active subject can lead to ideological subjugation. This perspective draws from Althusser’s theories, which caution against assuming that all forms of engagement lead to meaningful or politically beneficial outcomes. Thus, interpassivity serves as a critique of contemporary cultural practices that prioritize participatory engagement without recognizing the complexities of enjoyment and illusion in such interactions.

Illusions and the Subject

Interpassivity further complicates the understanding of individual identity and experience. According to Pfaller, interpassive behavior reflects a “blurred” line between reality and illusion, allowing individuals to escape the need for personal identification with the enjoyment they outsource. This phenomenon enables a dual experience where