Deleuze and Guattari's A Thousand Plateaus

Synopsis

The sheer volume and complexity of Deleuze and Guattari's A Thousand Plateaus can be daunting. What is an assemblage? What is a rhizome? What is a war machine? What is a body without organs? What is becoming-animal? Using clear language and numerous examples, each chapter of this guide analyses an individual plateau and examines the tendencies toward both stasis and change for each assemblage found there - be it social, political, psychological, musical, biological or linguistic.

Summary

Chapter 1: Rhizome

The first chapter of Deleuze and Guattari's A Thousand Plateaus, "Rhizome," introduces the concept of the rhizome as a model for thinking and understanding the world. The rhizome is a metaphor for a non-hierarchical, non-linear, and interconnected system of thought and being. It breaks away from traditional modes of thinking that rely on dualities and hierarchies, such as the tree structure, and instead embraces the complexity and multiplicity of the rhizome.

To illustrate the concept of the rhizome, Deleuze and Guattari use the example of a plant. They describe the rhizome as a constantly growing and spreading root system that exists underground and connects seemingly disparate parts of the plant. Unlike the tree, which has a clear hierarchical structure with a central trunk and branching roots, the rhizome has no central point or beginning; it grows and spreads out in all directions, with no specific end point.

This example is then extended to the realm of thought and philosophy. Deleuze and Guattari argue that traditional philosophical systems, such as those found in Western metaphysics, are hierarchical and binary in nature. These systems operate under the assumption of a "single, end point of development" and establish a linear progression from one point to the next. In contrast, the rhizome approach to thinking rejects these rigid structures and embraces a multiplicity of connections and possibilities.

Chapter 2: 1914: One or Several Wolves?

In the second chapter, Deleuze and Guattari explore the concept of the "wolves," drawing upon the famous quote by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, "there is but one world and that one is false, cruel, contradictory, seductive, without purpose." By "wolves," they refer to the forces and energies that exist within the world, and that constantly shape and transform it.

The authors argue that these "wolves" are constantly in conflict with one another, creating a chaotic and ever-changing reality. They use the example of the First World War in 1914 to illustrate this idea, where numerous ideologies, nationalities, and forces clashed on the battlefield, leading to chaos and destruction. In this sense, the "wolves" represent the multiplicity and diversity of the world, constantly in tension with one another.

However, Deleuze and Guattari also argue that despite this chaos and conflict, there is a certain order and organization to the world. They describe this as a "rhizomatic" structure, where connections are made and broken constantly, creating a web of relationships and influences. This is in contrast to traditional modes of thinking that try to impose a single, linear narrative onto the world.

Chapter 3: 10,000 BC: The Geology of Morals (Who Does the Earth Think It Is?)

In this chapter, Deleuze and Guattari use the geological timescale to understand the evolution of morals and ethics. They argue that traditional moral systems are rooted in human interventions and moral codes, but these codes have a limited understanding of the complexity of the world. Instead, they propose a geology of morals, where geological forces and processes shape the evolution of ethics.

By examining the geological layers in the Earth's surface, Deleuze and Guattari suggest that each layer represents a different moral code, constantly being influenced and transformed by the forces of nature. They use the example of the relationship between humans and animals, where humanity has traditionally positioned itself as superior to animals and thus justifies their exploitation. However, by looking at geological time, it becomes clear that this hierarchy is constantly shifting and changing as different species adapt and evolve.

The authors also explore the concept of "deterritorialization," where traditional moral codes are constantly being challenged and undermined by the forces of nature. This leads to a constant flux of beliefs and values, with traditional structures being destabilized and new forms emerging.

In summary, the first three chapters of Deleuze and Guattari's A Thousand Plateaus introduce the concept of the rhizome, explore the conflicts and multiplicity of the world, and examine the evolution of morals and ethics through a geological lens. These chapters lay the foundation for the complex and dynamic worldview presented throughout the rest of the book.