Sex and the Failed Absolute provides nothing short of a new definition of dialectical materialism. Radical new readings of Kant and Hegel sit side by side with lively commentaries on film, politics and culture. And in forging this new materialism, ?i?ek doesn't shy away from taking on and analysising important recent philosophies such as the work of Alain Badiou, Robert Brandom, Quentin Meillassoux and everything from popular scientist and quantum mechanics to sexual difference and analytic philosophy. This is Slavoj ?i?ek at his interrogative and energising best and represents his most rigorous articulation to date of his philosophical system.