The Viral Educator: Warren Smith on Wokeness, Campus Culture, and Losing His Job

In The Last Word, Thomas Nagel presents a vigorous defense of the universality and objectivity of reason against contemporary forms of subjectivism and relativism in logic, language, science, and ethics. Nagel argues that any criticism of reason is self-defeating because it must rely on principles that cannot be understood subjectively or relativistically. The book explores how reason must have the 'last word' in debates about truth and justification, emphasizing that some principles of reasoning are universally valid and independent of individual or cultural perspectives.

Michel Foucault's "Discipline and Punish" is a seminal work in social theory that examines the evolution of punishment and its relationship to power. Foucault traces the shift from public executions to more subtle forms of disciplinary control in modern societies. He argues that power operates not only through repression but also through the normalization of behavior. The book's analysis of surveillance, discipline, and the creation of docile bodies has had a profound impact on various fields, including criminology, sociology, and literary studies. It remains a crucial text for understanding the workings of power in contemporary society.

Michel Foucault's "The History of Sexuality" is a groundbreaking work that challenges traditional understandings of sexuality and its relationship to power. Foucault argues that sexuality is not a timeless essence but a historically constructed concept, shaped by social and political forces. He examines the ways in which discourse and institutions have regulated and controlled sexuality, exploring the emergence of concepts like repression and confession. The book offers a critical analysis of the ways in which sexuality has been used to define and control individuals and populations. Foucault's work has had a profound impact on the fields of history, sociology, and gender studies, influencing discussions about power, knowledge, and identity.