ABSTRACT
Zizek lists three main versions of the relationship between the universal and its particular content: neutral universality, symptomatic universality, hegemonic universality. If we evaluate this version of universality by Zizek's own benchmark, it can immediately be seen that the universal, in so far as it is an empty formality, not only cannot include itself among its particulars but cannot include any particulars at all. Taking the Lacanian phrase he employs here, he calls this version the "constitutive exception". Further clarification of the constitutive exception is gained by Zizek's argument that the Marxist notion of exploitation is not simply opposed to the idea of just and equitable exchange. One cannot eliminate exploitation by merely ensuring that workers are paid the full value of their labour. Zizek also appeals to a musical analogy according to which a violin concerto functions as the universal and the actual violin concertos that are written and performed throughout its varied history count as the particulars.
