Philosopher's Zone

Kristen Jezdal, a Temple University philosopher who studies 19th-century women thinkers, unpacks Clara Zetkin as a socialist revolutionary rather than a mainstream feminist. Short, punchy takes cover Zetkin's role in creating International Women's Day, tensions between class and gender politics, and how worker-focused feminism resonates today.

Vincent Lay, philosopher and author of Unknown Lands, maps Nick Land's accelerationist thought. He discusses why accelerationism urges technology to outrun politics. Lay traces Land's influence across art, philosophy and politics. He explores capitalism as emergent AI, automation ending labor, and the provocative embrace of extinction as a philosophical stance.

Rosie Bredotti, Distinguished University Professor Emerita and practice professor linked to RMIT’s Planetary Civics Inquiry, blends posthumanist theory with democratic practice. She explores civic literacies and cultural practices for planetary belonging. She debates AI as acceleration not rupture, critiques techno-oligarch power, and reframes migration as planetary mobility.

Alana Lenton, professor of cultural and social analysis and author on race, explores how racism is woven into modern institutions. She discusses racial regimes, white temporal imaginaries, Cedric Robinson and the black radical tradition. Conversations cover critiques of CRT, colonial omissions, race as a technology of governance, and why superficial reforms fail.

Chus Martinez, curator and art historian who runs the Institute Art Gender Nature in Basel, discusses art, politics and public life. She explores art as a civic medium that shapes shared perception. She examines institutions, accessibility and opening museums into the city. She outlines her show A Velvet Ant, A Flower and a Bird and reflects on collective sense‑making, nature and cultural plenitude.

The question of identity, and whether each of us is best understood as an individual or a member of a collective, has vexed philosophers for centuries. This week we're getting into it with a thinker who's also a leading light in the teaching of philosophy in schools.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Nin Kirkham, Deputy Head of the School of Humanities, emphasizes education's role in fostering autonomy and flourishing. Sam Sterrett passionately advocates for preserving students' wonder and curiosity in high school. Kaya Lee contrasts Western and Eastern educational philosophies, critiquing measurement methods. They all explore the balance between nurturing creativity and preparing for the job market. Challenging traditional assessments, they argue for values that respect cultural diversity and the importance of a communal aim for flourishing.

Matthew Sharp, a philosopher and author, discusses the enduring relevance of Albert Camus in today’s political landscape. He explores how Camus' critiques of nihilism resonate with modern social alienation and the rise of authoritarianism. Sharp links Camus' thoughts to contemporary challenges, such as the appeal of fascism and post-truth politics in America. He emphasizes the need for empathy to counter despair and highlights the importance of nature and balance against exploitation. Sharp’s insights help reframe Camus as a vital voice for modern times.

In this engaging discussion, Samara Greenwood, a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne, delves into how second-wave feminism transformed primatology. She highlights the revolutionary work of feminist scientists who challenged the alpha-male narrative, showcasing women's vital roles in primate societies. Samara shares insights from Donna Haraway's 'Primate Visions' and Sally Slocum's critiques, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in scientific research. The conversation also addresses why the alpha-male myth still endures in popular culture, urging for a reframing of scientific narratives.

Bronte Gosper, a Wiradjuri filmmaker and oral historian, discusses her experiences at Columbia University and the complex nature of Indigenous identity. She delves into the challenges of documenting Indigenous histories, emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling. The conversation navigates the impact of colonial notions of time on justice and sovereignty, highlighting how these temporalities clash. Bronte introduces W.E. Stanner's concept of 'everywhen', advocating for a holistic understanding of time that influences current practices and policy.