Kathleen Stock, a radical philosopher, discusses the Western crisis of meaning, gender identity, and the power of language. She reflects on activism, the philosophical implications of the gender controversy, beliefs about Therians, and being hounded out of Sussex University. The conversation also touches on the complexity of social issues and the need for continued progress in countering gender ideology.
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Quick takeaways
The battle against extreme radical gender ideology is ongoing and needs to be fought globally.
The manipulation of language and the focus on individual identity contribute to the rise of gender identity ideology.
Deep dives
The gender debate has made progress, but challenges remain globally
According to Kathleen Stock, while there have been advances made by critics of extreme radical gender ideology, the argument is far from won. She highlights differences in the UK, where the argument is making headway but is still controversial. However, she notes that in other parts of the world, the gender debate is just beginning to emerge, with activists working to spread gender identity concepts uncontested. Stock emphasizes that the battle is ongoing and that work needs to be done to counteract the spread of these ideas worldwide.
Gender ideology stems from broader philosophical trends
Stock suggests that the rise of gender identity ideology can be traced back to a distortion of the philosophical impulse of individual importance and freedom, which has been present since the Enlightenment. She notes that the focus on individual identity has led to treating the mind as having primacy in defining one's self and attempting to control how others perceive and validate that identity. This solipsistic viewpoint, according to Stock, is driven by a desire to control and shape the world, whether through forcing others to accept one's self-identified gender or pursuing fantastical beliefs like identifying as animals.
The implications of reconstructing language and reality
Stock discusses how the belief that language can reconstruct both the self and the world has become pervasive in contemporary culture. She highlights Scottish politician Nicola Sturgeon's use of language to create a different perception of reality in a speech. Stock argues that this manipulation of language has become a common practice, given the disintegration of social connections and the rise of online interactions. She suggests that curating personas online and engaging in role-playing activities may lead individuals to act as if their fantasies or desires are true, seeking validation from others to reinforce their self-perception.
The complexity of sexuality, activism, and identity
Stock shares her perspective on sexuality and identity, acknowledging the complexity of sexual orientation and its relation to the understanding of sexual dimorphism. She emphasizes that sexuality develops early in life based on exposure to complex environments and experiences, and it is not a matter of choosing or self-identifying. However, Stock recognizes that the current grouping of lesbians, gays, and trans individuals can be artificial and insists on differentiating between sexual orientation and gender identity. Moreover, she criticizes forced celebration of homosexuality, arguing that it leads to a lack of honest dialogue and a failure to address the disadvantages and impacts on other groups.
After being exiled from her teaching position at the University of Sussex, philosopher Kathleen Stock has become one of Britain's most radical voices of reason, celebrated for her incisive cultural theory. She joined us for an evening of conversation about the Western crisis of meaning and how to read the myths we tell ourselves, with UnHerd's Freddie Sayers.