Jeremy Fackenthal: History & the Messianic in Walter Benjamin
Feb 10, 2025
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Jeremy Fackenthal, a philosopher, filmmaker, and non-profit director, delves into Walter Benjamin's intricate ideas on memory, history, and messianic time. He explores how acknowledging the past may lead to redemption and societal transformation, emphasizing the concept of 'damaged life' in today's world. Fackenthal argues for a revolutionary approach to history, advocating for critical self-reflection and the importance of communal responsibility. Their conversation bridges philosophy and theology, offering a fresh perspective on collective memory and its role in shaping our future.
Walter Benjamin's philosophy highlights the significance of memory in shaping our understanding of history, justice, and redemption.
The concept of weak messianic power emphasizes collective responsibility in addressing historical suffering and fostering hope for the future.
Engaging with the Frankfurt School's critical theory reveals the interplay between history, culture, and politics, shaping modern societal narratives.
Deep dives
The Importance of Understanding B2B Marketing
B2B marketing plays a crucial role in helping businesses connect with each other, particularly through platforms such as LinkedIn. The ability to calculate return on ad spend (ROAS) is emphasized as an essential skill for professionals in this field, as it drives decisions regarding advertising investments. Engaging in B2B marketing allows companies to target their audience effectively, ultimately leading to increased revenue and business growth. This calls for a deeper understanding of the market dynamics and communication strategies that resonate with other businesses.
Engaging Conversations on Philosophy and History
Philosophical discussions around memory, history, and suffering are valuable for understanding the human experience. Engaging with thinkers like Walter Benjamin, particularly regarding his concepts of history and the Messianic, reveals the depth of human memory's role in shaping our understanding of the past and future. The podcast highlights the significance of personal experiences and academic backgrounds that influence one's perspective on these philosophical themes. Such conversations enable listeners to explore how historical context impacts our understanding of justice and redemption.
The Role of the Frankfurt School
The Frankfurt School, known for its critical social theory, aimed to examine societal structures and how they evolve. Influenced by Marxist thought, the scholars focused on the interplay between history, culture, and politics, addressing how art and literature reflect and shape society. This framework is particularly relevant for analyzing contemporary challenges, as it emphasizes the importance of understanding past injustices to inspire political engagement today. The Frankfurt School's contributions remain significant in discussions about modernity's impact on cultural narratives and power dynamics.
Messianic Time and Historical Consciousness
Walter Benjamin's idea of messianic time reflects a revolutionary approach to history, where past, present, and future coexist in a pregnant moment of potential. This perspective challenges linear notions of progress by asserting that understanding and remembering the past is vital for forging a positive future. In recognizing the complexities of history, individuals can embrace the possibility of change, rooted in collective memory and responsibility. This insight encourages a critical engagement with history as a means of achieving social justice and redeeming the past.
Revolutionary Possibilities and Communal Responsibility
The concept of weak messianic power emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in addressing historical suffering. By engaging with the past and acknowledging its weight, communities can foster hope and work towards redemption. This transformative process requires an honest confrontation with history's ugly truths, dismantling oppressive narratives and systems. Ultimately, cultivating a revolutionary spirit that honors memory and promotes justice is essential for building a more equitable future.
In this episode, I am joined by philosopher, filmmaker, and longtime friend Dr. Jeremy Fackenthal as we dive into the intricate philosophy of Walter Benjamin. We explore memory, history, suffering, and the weak messianic power that empowers us to redeem the past through remembrance. We also touch on the implications of Benjamin's thought for understanding the revolutionary potential in our present moment. Tune in for a nerdy, stimulating conversation that bridges theology and philosophy, grounded in historical materialism and some fun memories from our PhD days.
Jeremy Fackenthal is a philosopher, non-profit director, and filmmaker living in San Diego, CA. He holds a PhD in Philosophy of Religion and Theology from Claremont Graduate University. He was previously director for Toward Ecological Civilization. He has shot and edited a number of films, including Spitting Fire, a short documentary produced in conjunction with ARC and a grant through Yale Divinity School. Jeremy researches and writes in the areas of process thought, theopoetics, and critical theory. He co-edited Theopoetic Folds: Philosophizing Multifariousness and Whitehead and Continental Philosophy in the Twenty-First Century: Dislocations and is currently beginning a documentary film on the relevance of Walter Benjamin for the 21st century.
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