What's Left of Philosophy

Nicos Poulantzas, an influential Marxist theorist, dives into the complexities of the state and capitalism. He critiques traditional views of the state as neutral, emphasizing its deep ties to capitalism. The discussion navigates Poulantzas' conflict with Foucault's power dynamics and the pitfalls of economic reductionism. They also tackle the nuances of far-right politics and the role of class struggle in shaping history. The conversation offers a fresh look at state power, urging a deeper understanding essential for effective political action.

In this captivating discussion, the spotlight is on Francis Bacon, a foundational figure of the Enlightenment known for championing knowledge production. He explores the unfinished utopian novel, The New Atlantis, revealing his fascination with nature's diversity versus Platonic ideals. The conversation dives into the tensions between experimental science and community harmony, questioning the duality of progress and tradition. Bacon's ambivalence towards European rationality sparks intriguing insights about the quest for control over nature and the complexities of human behavior.

John Dewey, a pioneering American pragmatist philosopher known for his influential ideas on education, dives into the essence of learning connected to human experience. He critiques traditional methods, advocating for education that adapts to individual student needs and backgrounds. Dewey delves into the balance of autonomy and guidance in classrooms, highlights the importance of genuine engagement, and addresses the role of internal motivation in learning. The conversation also touches on the nuances of diversity in education and the relation between his philosophies and Marxism.

Norman Geras, a noted political theorist, brings his insights on revolutionary ethics and justice. He champions a right to revolution, distinguishing between political and social revolutions and their justifications. The discussion delves into the interplay of democracy and socialism, critiquing historical assumptions while advocating for ethical clarity in movements. Geras challenges the singular views of class interests and emphasizes the necessity of collective self-transformation and institution-building in achieving true social change.

The discussion revolves around Charles Mills' provocative insights on race within social contract theory. It challenges the notion of egalitarianism by exposing its ties to white supremacy. The tension between liberal ideals and the harsh realities of racism is scrutinized, revealing the complexities of modern liberalism. Historical interpretations from significant philosophers are evaluated, alongside the transformative effects of the racial contract on identity. The episode poses critical questions about whether genuine progress toward abolishing whiteness is feasible.

Robert Nozick's libertarian political philosophy from 'Anarchy, State, and Utopia' is discussed, challenging leftist thought and distributive justice. Topics include wealth distribution, state intervention, taxation, liberalism, coercion, and envy in hip-hop culture.

Exploring Frantz Fanon's endorsement of revolutionary violence, the impact of violence on colonized and colonizers, and the dialectic of violence in decolonization. Emphasis on reclaiming agency, understanding the intersection of violence, land, and identity, and the transformative power of reason. Fanon's call for humanization and socialization in the decolonization process.

Dr. Jeff Diamanti delves into ecological materialism and logistical strategy, exploring terminals as spaces where capitalism abstracts matter. Discussions range from indigenous resistance to sustainable provision, blending Marxist theory with environmental concerns and emphasizing the relationships between materiality, Marxism, and environmental issues.

In this episode, we discuss essays from throughout G.A. Cohen’s philosophical career. Cohen is known as one of the founders of Analytical Marxism, so we talk about what this tradition in Marxist thinking is about and how it handles the problems of political let-down and disillusionment that affect us all. We also get into his polemics against the libertarians and John Rawls in his essays on exploitation, freedom, and justice.This is just a short clip from the full episode, which is available to our subscribers on Patreon:patreon.com/leftofphilosophyReferences:G.A. Cohen, Karl Marx’s Theory of History: A Defence (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1989).G.A. Cohen, “The Labor Theory of Value and the Concept of Exploitation,” Philosophy & Public Affairs 8(4)(1979): 338-360.G.A. Cohen, “The Structure of Proletarian Unfreedom,” Philosophy & Public Affairs 12(1)(1983): 3-33.G.A. Cohen, Rescuing Justice and Equality (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2008).Nicholas Vrousalis, The Political Philosophy of G.A. Cohen (London: Bloomsbury, 2015).Music:“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN

Expert on contemporary far-right movements, Alberto Toscano, discusses late fascism, distinguishing it from past fascism. Exploring how Black and anti-colonial perspectives can help understand contemporary fascism. Critiquing liberal discourse's failure to grasp the specificity of fascism and highlighting the importance of anti-fascist thought.