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Modern Wisdom

#171 - Stephen Hicks - Socialism & Postmodernism For Dummies

May 16, 2020
In this discussion, Stephen Hicks, a Rockford University professor and author, dives into the intricacies of socialism and postmodernism. He clarifies their foundational principles and historical contexts, emphasizing their impact on modern society. The conversation highlights the tension between communal rights and individual freedoms, particularly in the aftermath of global crises. Hicks illuminates the psychological struggles between ideology and reality, and how today's political landscape is shaped by these complex ideas, advocating for informed and responsible civic engagement.
59:52

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Postmodernism emerged as a response to socialism's failures and criticizes capitalism, democratic politics, individualism, science, and technology.
  • Socialism prioritizes the social collective over individual autonomy, but its implementation faces challenges and controversy.

Deep dives

The Origins and Definitions of Postmodernism

Postmodernism arose as a response to the failure of socialism and the challenges faced by socialist ideologies. The term 'postmodern' refers to the period following the major revolutions and advancements in various fields such as art, science, religion, and politics that took place over the past 500 years. Postmodernists argue that the modern world, marked by capitalism, democratic politics, individualism, science, and technology, has been a mistake and has led to negative outcomes. They reject democratic-republican politics and free-market capitalism, criticizing them as fundamentally flawed and exploitative. Additionally, they question the benefits and dangers of science and technology, while rejecting the emphasis on individualism and advocating for identity politics and group-based identity as the foundation of one's identity.

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