Science Fiction Isaac Asimov’s Foundation and Hegelian history
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Oct 11, 2023 Isaac Asimov discusses the challenges facing zennials, the unraveling of liberal democracy, and the power of science fiction. They explore the relationship between technological progress, colonialism, and development, as well as the allegorical representation of history in Asimov's 'Foundation'. The conversation dives into Hegelian philosophy, power struggles, and developmental stage models. They also touch on the influence of Ken Wilbur, changing narratives in the culture wars, and the stages of civilization depicted in 'Foundation'.
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Host's 'Zennial' Origin And Perspective
- Damian Walter opens by identifying as a 'zennial' born in 1977 and links his age to worldview.
- He frames zenials as having believed in the end of history and getting 'the worst of both deals.'
End Of History Was A Generational Myth
- Damian Walter links his generation's belief in the 'end of history' to the 1990s rise of liberal democratic optimism.
- He argues 9/11, Iraq, 2008 crisis, Trump and Brexit shattered that inevitability narrative.
Psychohistory Requires A Shaped History
- Psychohistory in Asimov hinges on history having a discernible shape rather than strict determinism.
- Walter traces that notion to Hegel and the developmental-stage view of history.