What's Left of Philosophy

They debate how the Civil Rights Movement shapes expectations for Black politics today. They contrast romantic redemption stories with ironic, skeptical readings and propose tragedy as a middle path. They examine the decline of church-led organizing, polarization and fracturing in the Black electorate, and what resources might authorize new progressive strategies.

A lively discussion of Horkheimer’s split between traditional and critical theory. They debate whether critical theory can truly grasp social totality and its relation to the working class. The conversation probes theorists' roles, methodological ambiguities, risks of professionalization, and how critique might stay connected to emancipation without becoming mere academic ornament.

They explore Sorel’s claim that socialism lives in the idea of the general strike rather than its precise form. Discussion centers on political myth, its power to mobilize, and risks of irrationalism and misuse by reactionary movements. They contrast violent, transformative strikes with routine political strikes and examine historical strike coordination and traditions.

A new series opener explores Marxism’s relationship with religion through Martin Luther King Jr. Short segments consider nonviolence as disciplined practice and agape as political force. The conversation contrasts social Christianity with American evangelicalism and connects economic justice to spiritual needs. Debates unpack whether Marxism must reject spirit and how love shapes political strategy.

Explore the fascinating intersection of history and narrative through Hayden White's lens. Discover how historical writing is influenced by literary forms, shaping our understanding of events. Delve into Marx's provocative shift from tragedy to farce. The hosts debate whether narratives can retain objective truth while examining political implications. Engage with concepts like emplotment, the sublime, and the moral dimensions of storytelling. Find out why understanding history requires grappling with its narrative structures.

In this episode, we talk about Marx’s critique of the Gotha Program, but you knew that from the title. We discuss Marxian critiques of redistributive left politics, why dogmatic Marxists are wrong about this, and much more. We connect it to the present and disagree. It’s very good. Listen.References:Karl Marx, “Critique of the Gotha Programme” https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/1875/gotha/Music:“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN

Dive into the intriguing world of crowds through Elias Canetti's insights! The hosts explore the idea that crowds serve as the connective tissue of social life, shaping collective identity. They unravel metaphors of theatrical crowds and discuss how spontaneity can hide underlying intentions. From sports fans to digital gatherings, the conversation reveals how modern algorithms influence crowd dynamics. Expect a wild ride through sociology, political theory, and the fascinating orchestration of human connection!

James Chamberlain, an associate professor in political science and author of *Living Through Capitalism*, delves into capitalism’s impact on life in this engaging discussion. He argues that capitalism is hostile to biological processes, undermining not just human existence but all life forms. Chamberlain draws connections between the COVID pandemic and a life-centered critique of capitalism, exploring concepts like multi-species injustice and the potential for resistance among non-human beings. He advocates for 'communities of life' to foster genuine freedom from capitalism's constraints.

Explore Adam Smith's lesser-known work that dives into the concept of sympathy and its role in moral judgments. Discover how our feelings shape societal stability and why shared sentiments are crucial for friendship. The discussion highlights Smith's idea of the impartial spectator, contrasting emotional responses with socially accepted norms. From humor to justice, the hosts analyze how emotional maturity and propriety govern our reactions. They also question the impact of utility on happiness and the human costs of labor, using entertaining examples and anecdotes!

The conversation dives into Alfred Sohn-Rethel's provocative ideas linking commodity exchange to the origins of human consciousness. They discuss real abstraction, suggesting that social practices shape our mental categories. Critiques arise over whether Sohn-Rethel overemphasizes exchange over production. The discussion touches on the historical roots of exchange, the relationship between abstraction and language, and how AI reflects these concepts. Ultimately, they explore the potential for a new social synthesis that prioritizes use value over exchange.