Todd McGowan, a professor and author of "Emancipation After Hegel: Achieving a Contradictory Revolution," dives into the nuances of Hegelian philosophy. He uncovers the often-misunderstood role of contradiction in dialectics and its implications for Marxism. The conversation highlights how Freudian psychoanalysis enriches Hegel’s ideas, and how embracing contradictions can drive societal progress rather than impede it. McGowan also discusses the impact of the French Revolution on Hegel's theories of freedom and equality, challenging listeners to reconsider their understanding of these complex philosophies.
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insights INSIGHT
Contradiction Explained
Contradiction isn't simply opposition; it's a position conflicting with its own logic.
An example is someone changing over time while remaining the same person.
insights INSIGHT
Hegel's Misinterpretation
Hegel is often misunderstood due to his focus on contradiction.
People struggle to grasp contradiction, leading to misinterpretations of his work.
insights INSIGHT
Hegel's Writing Style
Hegel's writing style contributes to misunderstandings, as he traces problems without always providing solutions.
He explores how seemingly simple concepts rely on complex underlying principles.
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Todd McGowan's "Emancipation After Hegel" offers a unique psychoanalytic and German idealist interpretation of Hegel's philosophy. McGowan challenges conventional readings of Hegel, emphasizing the philosopher's engagement with contradiction as a fundamental aspect of his thought. The book delves into Hegel's concept of contradiction, arguing that it's not merely opposition but an inherent aspect of reality itself. McGowan connects Hegel's ideas to contemporary political issues, exploring their implications for Marxism and other leftist perspectives. Ultimately, the book advocates for a re-evaluation of Hegel's political thought, highlighting its relevance to understanding and navigating social and political contradictions.
Todd McGowan, professor and author of "Emancipation After Hegel: Achieving a Contradictory Revolution" as well as co-host of the philosophy podcast "Why Theory", joins Breht to talk about the many misunderstandings of Hegelian philosophy, the history of Left and Right Hegelianism, the role that contradiction plays in the dialectic, what a Freudian understanding of the mind lends to Hegel's philosophy, Marxism as a deviation from Hegelianism, and much, much more!
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