Untitled lecture by Mark Cousins, 23rd May, 1997

Extent: 2 digital files (630 MB )

Comprises audio recording of an untitled lecture given by Mark Cousins on the 23rd May, 1997. The recordings consist of a digital preservation file (514 MB, .wav format) and a digital access files (116 MB, .mp3 format). Duration of access version: 51min.

Creator: Mark Cousins

Admin History: The recording is of the 16th and concluding lecture in the series entitled 'Conservation', given by Mark Cousins as part of the AA General Studies programme, 1996-97. In this lecture, Mark Cousins examines certain beliefs underlying conservation principles and theories, arguing that many of these ideas are a recrudescence of fantasies of the end of the world. He notes the relationship between representation and desire and the logic of shadow desire and scrutinizes the concept of endurance and its value in religions including Christianity. Cousins considers that these fantasies, akin to Freud's 'Death Drive', are a means to avoid the working through of death and that 'the end' is the fantasy of being 'on time'.

Custodial History: Original recording (format unknown) was made by the AA Audio Visual Department and a digital copy (.wma format) has been retained on the department's servers since c2013.

Aquisition: Digital preservation and access copies were created by the AA Archives in 2021, using the digital file held by the the AA Audio Visual Department.

Archive Note: Catalogue description by Samaneh Karimelahi

Publication Note: AA Events List, Week 5, Summer Term, 19th-23rd May, 1997