Why the West Turned on Itself | Maarten Boudry | Ep. 63

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a seminal work that spans several decades of Franklin's life, from his childhood in Boston to his later years as a respected statesman and scientist. The autobiography is divided into four parts, each written during different periods of his life. It covers his apprenticeship to his brother James, his early career as a printer and publisher, his experiments with electricity, and his civic and political involvements. The work is notable for its insights into Franklin's personal life, his pursuit of moral perfection, and his contributions to American history and culture.

In this seminal work, Joseph A. Schumpeter analyzes the processes of capitalism, arguing that it is both innovative and unstable due to the concept of 'creative destruction', where continuous innovation disrupts established industries. The book also examines the potential replacement of capitalism by socialism and discusses the future of democracy in evolving economic structures. Schumpeter presents a balanced view of both capitalist and socialist systems through theoretical models and comparative analysis, and he predicts that capitalism might eventually give way to socialism due to internal societal and economic changes rather than external failures.

In 'Madness and Civilization,' Michel Foucault analyzes the historical development of the concept of madness in Europe from the late Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. The book critiques the idea of history and the historical method, particularly focusing on how social structures, laws, politics, philosophy, and medicine have influenced the perception and treatment of insanity. Foucault explores the transition from a time when the mad were integrated into everyday life to the era when they were confined in asylums, highlighting the 'Great Confinement' and the emergence of the asylum as a new institution. The work also delves into the philosophical and cultural shifts that led to the modern understanding of madness and its separation from reason.

In 'Orientalism,' Edward Said critiques the Western construction of the Orient as a place of mystery and exoticism. He argues that Orientalism, as a discipline and worldview, is inherently tied to European imperialism and serves as a powerful instrument of domination. Said examines how Western literature, academia, and politics have perpetuated colonialism and imperialism by creating and reinforcing stereotypes and myths about the East. He traces the development of Orientalism from its roots in the 18th century to its contemporary implications, emphasizing the intimate relationship between knowledge and power and the need to challenge these dominant discourses.