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Rev Left Radio

Dialectics Deep Dive IIX: Contradiction and Overdetermination (Pt. 1)

Feb 8, 2024
In this episode, the hosts delve deep into dialectics, discussing Althusser, Hegel, and Dialectical Materialism. They explore the concept of contradiction, the dangers of collapsing everything into the economy, and the significance of understanding Hegel's inversion. The chapter also examines the contradictions within different societal systems and highlights the role of contradictions in revolutions. They critique the oversimplification of the 99% versus 1% narrative and delve into the dangers of developmental thinking. They also discuss the concept of the end of history and its critique, as well as contradictions and overdetermination in historical development.
02:17:02

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Contradiction drives change and development, focusing on internal contradictions within each individual thing.
  • Overdetermination recognizes the intricate web of influences and factors shaping events and challenges the notion of a single cause-effect relationship.

Deep dives

Contradiction: The essence of dialectics

Contradiction is the essence of dialectics, according to the podcast. Instead of viewing dialectics as simply the collision or synthesis of opposing forces, dialectics focuses on the internal contradictions within each individual thing. This internal contradiction drives the process of change and development. Dialectics recognizes that reality is not static, but constantly evolving through the interplay of contradictory elements. Understanding contradiction is essential to grasp the true nature of reality.

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