

Metaphysical Rebels: Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus with Dr. James McLachlan
5 snips Mar 8, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Dr. James McLachlan, an expert in existential philosophy, dives into the tensions between Marxism and existentialism. He elaborates on the philosophical feud between Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus, particularly their views on political violence and rebellion. McLachlan reflects on how their conflicting perspectives shaped their friendship and contributions to existential thought. The conversation also touches on societal struggles, moral dilemmas, and the human experience, revealing the complexities of ethics through the lens of literature and history.
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Mormon Medicine
- James McLachlan shares how 19th-century patent medicines exploited Mormonism.
- Products like "Brigham Young tablets" and "Mormon elder pills" promised restoration of lost vigor.
Mormons in Sherlock Holmes
- After speaking with McLachlan, Taylor re-read Sherlock Holmes and noted the central role of Mormons in the first mystery.
- McLachlan mentions an apocryphal story about Conan Doyle later apologizing for his portrayal, which proved false.
Sartre and Camus on Violence
- Sartre and Camus, despite their reputations, differed significantly on political violence, ending their friendship.
- This disagreement stemmed from their contrasting responses to the question of its use.