Podcast for Social Research, Episode 70: Critical Theory and the 21st Century
Aug 18, 2023
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Panelists on the Podcast for Social Research discuss big data and social media, György Lukács, Black Marxism, climate and class struggle, hyper-individualism, optimism versus pessimism, and the objectification of everything. They explore the impact of data-driven technologies, the relevance of the Frankfurt School, the importance of embracing despair and the need for reinvention. They debate the critique of 'Black Marxism' and discuss open debates and engagement with critical theory. The founding of the Institute for Social Research, the concept of ideology, and reimagining the future are also discussed.
Critical theory can inform a deeper understanding of social, economic, and political issues.
New approaches to critical theory are necessary to address contemporary complexities of power and social change.
Critical theory can help in understanding and addressing contemporary challenges like climate change.
The legacy of past traditions such as Marxism and the Frankfurt School needs to be reimagined and reinvented in the present context.
Engaging with the spiritual and emotional aspects of human experience is important in understanding politics for the present and future.
Deep dives
The Relevance of Critical Theory Today
Critical theory, founded in a different historical context, may not be as relevant for understanding and addressing current social issues. It tends to replace materialism with idealism, capitalism with instrumental reason, optimism with defeatism, and class struggle with intellectualism.
Embracing Despair and Moving Forward
While critical theory may have limitations, it can still inform a deeper understanding of social, economic, and political issues. It can serve as a starting point for an orientation towards collective politics and the pursuit of social change.
Re-thinking Critical Theory
The Frankfurt School's critical theory needs to be re-evaluated and broken from its traditional orthodoxy. It's important to consider new approaches to critical theory that address the contemporary complexities of power, social change, and collective action.
Applying Critical Theory to Address Climate Change
Critical theory can be a valuable tool in understanding and addressing contemporary challenges like climate change. It encourages us to examine the universal nature of the issue, re-evaluate traditional Marxist approaches, consider different definitions of technology, and explore paths not taken for a more sustainable future.
Challenges of Tradition and Present Reality
One challenge discussed is how to navigate the legacy of past traditions such as Marxism and the Frankfurt School in the present context. Some argue for a return to the original texts and ideas, while others urge for a reimagining and reinvention of political subjects and theories.
Imminent Critique and Criticism of Hype
The concept of imminent critique, rooted in the present, is seen as a valuable methodology. However, there is skepticism about the use of imminent critique in addressing contemporary issues, as it may lead to a reliance on outdated texts and fail to engage with specific contexts and challenges.
Importance of Emancipation and Freedom
The pursuit of emancipation and freedom emerged as a central theme, with discussions on the failure and reinvention of past leftist movements. The need to understand the failures of the 20th century is highlighted, providing lessons for developing new approaches to collective politics and envisioning alternate futures.
Addressing Spiritual and Emotional Components
The podcast touches upon the spiritual and emotional aspects of human experience that may go beyond the traditional analysis of Marxist theory. However, the panel acknowledges that it does not have extensive insights on this topic and highlights the importance of engaging with these dimensions in understanding human dynamics.
The Power of Failure in Political Movements
The discussion highlights the politicizing potential of failure in political movements. It explores how individuals who experienced disillusionment with techno-optimism in the technology industry became motivated to engage in political action. The panelists reference the concept of youth and the cultural Marxism movement, discussing the power and limitations of returning to these failures. They also touch on the importance of studying bodies, affects, and human connection to reimagine politics for the present and future. The discussion raises questions about the role of social media platforms in organizing political projects and the necessity of learning from revolutionary traditions in the face of climate catastrophe.
Critiquing Determinant Historical Frames and Embracing Political Emotions
The panelists emphasize the need to break away from determinant historical frames and engage with political emotions. They highlight how political emotions have been discussed by various thinkers throughout history, challenging the notion that it is a new concept. The discussion touches on the significance of empirical knowledge and the limitations of relying on metaphysical bases for politics. It also raises skepticism regarding the co-optation of spirituality by fascist governments. The panelists emphasize the importance of studying the affects and connections of individuals, as well as the role of technology in political organizing.
Episode 70 of the Podcast for Social Research is a live recording of the concluding panel of BISR’s July symposium Frankfurt School and the Now: Critical Theory in the 21st Century. To what extent, 100 years later, can critical theory help us make sense of the particular conditions, crises, and prospective futures of the contemporary twenty first-century moment? Panelists Isi Litke, Barnaby Raine, Samantha Hill, Ajay Singh Chaudhary, Moira Weigel, and Jodi Dean consider big data and social media, György Lukács, Black Marxism, climate and class struggle, hyper-individualism, optimism versus pessimism, and the objectification of everything. Is interactive media a democratic alternative to a top-down culture industry, or does it actually exacerbate authoritarian dynamics? How can we think about politics and political subjects under conditions of climate change? In what ways does the twenty-first century echo the twentieth? How do we think with critical theory without fetishizing it? What are the political uses of failure? Is there an imperative to hope?
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