Philosophize This!

Episode #132 ... Carl Schmitt on Liberalism pt. 1

Jul 1, 2019

Dive into the provocative world of early 20th-century political philosophy through the lens of Carl Schmitt. Explore his sharp critiques of liberalism, framed by a backdrop of revolutions and wars. Unpack the notion that liberalism, once hailed as a pathway to equality, may fall short in bridging deep political divides. This critical examination sheds light on the challenges and dilemmas faced by philosophers of the time, making it all the more relevant to today's political landscape.

22:55

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Quick takeaways

Liberalism's failure lies in its inability to peacefully reconcile extreme political differences.

Carl Schmitt critiques liberalism for relying on rigid constitutional norms that hinder adaptive responses in crises.

Deep dives

Karl Schmitt's Critique of Liberalism

Karl Schmitt offers a scathing critique of liberalism, focusing on the belief that liberalism's promise of a peaceful, cosmopolitan world has not been realized in practice. He challenges the liberal idea that extreme political differences can peacefully coexist and criticizes liberalism's reliance on rational debate to solve irreconcilable political problems. Schmitt argues that liberal norms and rules, aimed at preventing authoritarianism, do not account for real-world complexities, leading to a weakening of societal defenses in critical situations.