Simon Critchley, "The Faith of the Faithless: Experiments in Political Theology" (Verso, 2014)
May 5, 2022
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Join Simon Critchley, Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research, as he unpacks the intricate dance between religion and politics in today's culture. He critiques the rise of political theology and explores whether we should cling to secularism or accept a return to theism. Expect discussions on nihilism, communal living, and the paradox of self-deification in mystical traditions. With reflections on figures like Nietzsche and Rousseau, Critchley invites listeners to rethink morality and envision new paths through ethical dilemmas in a politically charged world.
The podcast highlights the deep connection between personal and cultural backgrounds and how they shape one’s critique and understanding of political identity.
It explores the complex interplay between nihilism and political activism, underscoring the need for a nuanced approach to violence and non-violence in political engagement.
Deep dives
The Influence of Place on Political Thought
The speaker delves into their complex relationship with England and how this sentiment influences their political writings. They express a sense of disillusionment with English politics while acknowledging a sentimental attachment to their homeland. This experience informs their understanding of political structures and the nature of political identity. The discussion highlights how personal and cultural backgrounds shape philosophical perspectives, suggesting that a genuine critique of a place often stems from deep-seated connections to it.
Rousseau's Political Philosophy and Religion
The speaker explores Rousseau's unique position in political philosophy, particularly his intertwining of politics and religion. They highlight Rousseau's notion of civil religion and the contradictions present in his texts that reveal the tension between political community and spiritual belief. This investigation leads to a broader discourse on how political regimes can either include or exclude metaphysical elements. Analyzing these contradictions helps illuminate the complex dynamics between belief systems and political governance.
The Concept of Nihilism and Its Political Ramifications
The discussion examines Nietzsche's ideas of nihilism and the distinction between passive and active nihilism. Passive nihilism leads to withdrawal from the world, promoting self-improvement and individualism, while active nihilism encourages destruction and radical change. The potential dangers of both perspectives in a political context are considered, particularly in relation to contemporary activism. Understanding these forms of nihilism allows for a deeper analysis of modern political movements and the underlying motivations driving them.
The Ethics of Non-Violence in Political Action
The speaker articulates the need to reconcile the principles of non-violence with the realities of political engagement, especially in violent contexts. They challenge the simplistic dichotomy between peace and violence, suggesting that non-violence should serve as a guiding ethic, while recognizing that strategic acts of violence may sometimes become necessary. This nuanced understanding shifts the conversation from absolute pacifism to a more contextual approach to political action. Ultimately, this framework encourages activists to critically assess the implications of their actions in dynamic political landscapes.
The return to religion has arguably become the dominant theme of contemporary culture. Somehow, the secular age seems to have been replaced by a new era where political action flows directly from theological, indeed cosmic, conflict. The Faith of the Faithless: Experiments in Political Theology(Verso, 2014) lays out the philosophical and political framework of this idea and seeks to find a way beyond it. Should we defend a version of secularism or quietly accept the slide into theism? Or is there another way?
Mehdi Sanglaji is writing a PhD thesis on political violence, religion, and all that jazz. Find me here: @mehdisanglaji on Musk’s new website grab, formerly known as Twitter.