New Books in Critical Theory
Marshall Poe
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 30, 2025 • 58min
Elif Kalaycioglu, "The Politics of World Heritage: Visions, Custodians, and Futures of Humanity" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Elif Kalaycioglu, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Alabama, sheds light on her groundbreaking work, The Politics of World Heritage. She explores how UNESCO constructs a cultural history of humanity through various political lenses. Kalaycioglu discusses the evolution from viewing humanity as a rarefied subject to recognizing its diversity, highlighting the tensions between state power and expert judgment. She also addresses the challenges within contested memory sites and shares insights on her upcoming research on Silk Roads cultural diplomacy.
12 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 33min
Gavin Flood, "The Concept of Mind in Hindu Tantra" (Routledge, 2024)
Gavin Flood, a leading expert in Hindu Studies at the University of Oxford, delves into the intricate concept of mind in Hindu Tantra. He explores the influence of dualism versus non-dualism, highlighting how Shaiva traditions view the self in relation to Shiva. Flood also identifies a unique blend of mentalistic and physicalist vocabularies, examining the implications for social engagement and activism. Additionally, he shares insights on microcosm-macrocosm connections and anticipates future projects on ascent symbolism and comparative personhood.
Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 40min
Gilles Deleuze, "On Painting" (U Minnesota Press, 2025)
Charles J. Stivale, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, and Dan Smith, Professor of Philosophy, dive into Deleuze's groundbreaking seminars on painting. They discuss the nuances of translating Deleuze's seminars, revealing rich material often overlooked in his published works. The duo explores Deleuze's pedagogy, highlighting the dynamic interactions with students that shaped his ideas. They also debate the interplay between philosophy and art, using Francis Bacon as a lens to examine concepts and affects, all while intertwining themes across Deleuze's broader oeuvre.
Oct 26, 2025 • 1h 7min
Michael Lazarus, "Absolute Ethical Life: Aristotle, Hegel and Marx" (Stanford UP, 2025)
Michael Lazarus, a Lecturer in political theory at King's College London and author of Absolute Ethical Life, explores the intertwining of ethics and capitalism through the lenses of Marx, Aristotle, and Hegel. He critiques the impoverished ethical landscape under capitalism and reinterprets Marx as an ethical thinker. Lazarus discusses how capitalist structures shape freedom, critiques Hannah Arendt’s separation of action and production, and emphasizes the need for systemic solutions to foster human flourishing in modern society.
12 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 42min
Tim Beasley-Murray, "Critical Games: On Play and Seriousness in Academia, Literature and Life" (Manchester UP, 2025)
Tim Beasley-Murray is an Associate Professor of European Thought and Culture at University College London and author of Critical Games. He explores the interplay between play and seriousness in literature and academia. Tim discusses how different modes of play enhance our understanding of ethical storytelling and creative expression. He emphasizes the importance of the humanities and shares insights on Emmanuel Carrère's blurring of fiction and reality. Ultimately, Tim advocates for a more playful and embodied approach to academic writing.
Oct 23, 2025 • 40min
Joanna Woronkowicz, "Artists at Work: Rethinking Policy for Artistic Careers" (Stanford UP, 2025)
Joanna Woronkowicz, an economist and creative labor scholar, dives into the intricate world of artistic careers and cultural policy. She uncovers what defines a contemporary artist, analyzing the diverse demographics and challenges faced by the arts workforce today. With a focus on the impact of education and training, she highlights the realities of nonstandard employment and project-based work. Woronkowicz also discusses how location influences artistic success and shares key principles for effective arts workforce policy to support a vibrant creative economy.
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 5min
What Do You Want Out of Life? A Philosophical Guide to Figuring Out What Matters
Valerie Tiberius, a professor of philosophy at the University of Minnesota, discusses her book on navigating life’s conflicting values. She blends personal anecdotes with philosophical insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding what truly matters to us. Tiberius explores hidden goals and values, illustrating them through relatable examples. She also reflects on the impact of community, relationships, and societal challenges, particularly around issues like sexism and racial justice, urging us to embrace conflict while prioritizing our true aspirations.
Oct 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
Eva Meijer, "Multispecies Assemblies" (Vine Press, 2025)
In this discussion, Eva Meijer, a renowned philosopher and visual artist, delves into the revolutionary idea of multispecies assemblies, where nonhuman beings engage as political actors. She argues for the necessity of incorporating diverse life forms into political discourse to combat ecological crises. Topics include the ethics of representation, the cognitive capacities of plants, and how gardens can serve as democratic thought experiments. Meijer emphasizes learning from and listening to all species to foster truly inclusive communities.
Oct 20, 2025 • 43min
Massimo Modonesi, "The Antagonistic Principle: Marxism and Political Action" (Haymarket, 2019)
Massimo Modonesi is a professor at the Autonomous National University of Mexico, focusing on Marxist theory and social movements. Joining him is Maria Vignau, a researcher and educator pursuing her PhD. Together, they delve into the concepts of subalternity, antagonism, and autonomy in political subjectivation. They discuss the complexities of class struggle, the dynamics of resistance versus rebellion, and the challenges facing Latin American social movements today. The conversation also touches on Gramsci's ideas about subalterns and how movements can regain their momentum.
10 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 60min
Bill V. Mullen, "James Baldwin: Living in Fire" (Pluto Press, 2019)
Bill V. Mullen, a Professor of English and American Studies at Purdue University, explores the life of James Baldwin, a pivotal figure in African American literature and activism. Mullen discusses Baldwin's impoverished childhood, his break from religion, and his exiles in Paris and Istanbul, highlighting their impact on his creativity. He delves into Baldwin's views on Palestine and capitalism, and draws parallels between Baldwin and fellow dissident Ghassan Kanafani. Mullen also reflects on Baldwin's enduring legacy, particularly in light of the Black Lives Matter movement.
