AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Riggins' Path to Marxism
- Thomas Riggins became interested in philosophy after reading Bertrand Russell's "Why I'm Not a Christian" as a teenager.
- He later joined the Communist Party after moving to New York.
Academic Marxism in the US
- Academics, especially in the US, often avoid associating with orthodox Marxism to secure tenure.
- They may incorporate Marx's social science contributions while distancing themselves from his revolutionary aspects.
Dialectical and Historical Materialism
- Dialectical materialism is the philosophical system of Marxism, emphasizing a world in constant flux.
- Historical materialism applies this dialectical method to social events.