

#2846
Mentioned in 9 episodes
Cynical Theories
Book • 2020
In this book, Helen Pluckrose and James Lindsay document the evolution of postmodern thought from its origins in French postmodernism to its current applications in activist academic fields such as postcolonial theory, queer theory, critical race theory, and intersectionality.
They argue that the unchecked proliferation of these ideas, which often assert that knowledge is a social construct, science and reason are tools of oppression, and language is dangerous, presents a significant threat to liberal democracy and modernity.
The authors warn that these beliefs, while intended to address social injustices, often do more harm than good, particularly to the marginalized communities they aim to support.
They argue that the unchecked proliferation of these ideas, which often assert that knowledge is a social construct, science and reason are tools of oppression, and language is dangerous, presents a significant threat to liberal democracy and modernity.
The authors warn that these beliefs, while intended to address social injustices, often do more harm than good, particularly to the marginalized communities they aim to support.
Mentioned by




























Mentioned in 9 episodes
Mentioned by Jordan Peterson and James Lindsay during their discussion on Marxism and its influence on modern culture.

200 snips
367. You Might Already Be A Member | Dr. James Lindsay
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and 

in a discussion about the origins of certain political viewpoints.


Bill Maher


Sam Harris

61 snips
#371 — What the Hell Is Happening?
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when discussing postmodernism and its influence.


Shawn Ryan

30 snips
#105 General Robert Spalding - Is TikTok a PSYOP?
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to support his analysis of critical theory in education.


Virgil Walker

25 snips
EP # 133 | Public Education
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as the author of 'Cynical Theories'.

Alana Lentin

11 snips
“Arrested in the Office of DEI” - On the New Racial Regime with Alana Lentin
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as the author of several books on critical theory and related topics.


Eric Metaxas

James Lindsey: Exposing the Insanity of Modern Academia
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as a book written by James Lindsay and Helen Pluckrose, due out in May.


Chris Williamson

#124 - James Lindsay - Social Justice Explained: The Foundations Of Wokeness
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in conversation about the need for timeless wisdom.


Chris Williamson

#219 - Douglas Murray - Permission To Think Differently
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as a book they discussed previously, with a lot having happened since then.


Konstantin Kisin

Fighting Back Against Cancel Culture with Helen Pluckrose
Mentioned by James Lindsay as a book where he discusses Judith Butler and queer theory.

Drag Queens as Priests of Queer Theory
Recommended by Bill Maher to ![undefined]()

as a book about how academia contributed to current societal issues.

Drew Pinsky

#2006: Trumps Crew, Chicago's Fall, and Bill Belichicks Girlfriend
Mentioned by James Lindsay in the context of discussing the Michael Brown case and its impact on the Black Lives Matter movement.

Social Justice Explained with James Lindsay
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to explain cancel culture origins.


Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Debate: Cancel Culture is Threatening Our Freedoms
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as a book she enjoyed and bookmarked.


Helen Czerski

The Ideological Roots of 'Wokeness'. with Helen Pluckrose and Helen Joyce
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as a source of information on wokeness.


Tim Scarfe

#042 - Pedro Domingos - Ethics and Cancel Culture
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in a discussion about critical theory and its impact on daily life.


Jim Butcher

Has Academia Fallen? With Jim Butcher
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, referencing Lindsay's earlier works supporting atheism.


Ben Shapiro

James Lindsay | The Rise of Wokeness In Schools
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as James Lindsay's latest book, co-authored with Helen Pluckrose.


Joe Rogan

#1501 - James Lindsay