Episode 120: Frederick Neuhouser - Diagnosing Social Pathology
Mar 31, 2023
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Topics discussed include rejecting harmful conceptions of social pathology, Marx's use of biological language in capitalism, the artificiality and construction of social conventions, Durkheim's view of political society, philosophy of history in the 19th century, and conceiving society as social pathology.
Social pathology refers to dysfunctions or deficiencies in social institutions and practices, rather than individual illness.
Marx's understanding of social pathology involves the unregulated growth and contradictions within the capitalist economic system.
Understanding social pathology requires examining moral failings, functional deficiencies, and the complex development of civil society.
Deep dives
The Concept of Social Pathology in the Book
The podcast episode features an interview with Frederick Neuheuser, a professor of philosophy at Barnard College Columbia University, discussing his book 'Diagnosing Social Pathology, Rousseau, Hegel, Marx, and Durkheim.' The book explores the concept of social pathology in the context of 19th-century German philosophy and social and political philosophy. Neuheuser explains that social pathology refers to dysfunctions or deficiencies inherent in social institutions and practices, rather than the physical or mental illness of individual members. He also critiques conceptions of social pathology that overly rely on the society-as-organism metaphor or harmful ideologies. The episode delves into how thinkers like Rousseau, Hegel, and Marx contribute to the understanding of social pathology, emphasizing the role of spirituality and moral failings alongside functional failings in society.
Marx and Biological Language in Social Pathology
Marx's contribution to understanding social pathology is examined in the podcast episode. Though he does not explicitly discuss it, Marx's use of biological metaphors in his writings on capitalism and economic processes suggest an understanding of social pathology related to the unregulated growth and contradictions within the capitalist economic system. Marx highlights the importance of spiritual relationships to society, such as the transparency of practices and the values individuals hold, in defining the functioning and dysfunctions of capitalism. Additionally, concepts like alienation and commodity fetishism align with Marx's understanding of social pathology as deficiencies in the relation between individuals and their labor within capitalist society.
Durkheim and Hegel's Imminent Approach to Social Pathology
The podcast episode also explores the perspectives of Durkheim and Hegel on social pathology. Durkheim's emphasis on the science of morality and its relation to the functioning of society suggests an imminent approach to social pathology. Durkheim argues that understanding society's structure and subsystems, including the economy, is essential for determining appropriate moral ideals. By examining the values that align with the social organization, Durkheim reveals deficiencies in societal practices that fail to harmonize with these moral ideals. On the other hand, Hegel contributes to the understanding of social pathology by highlighting the complex development and changes in civil society. His insights into the changing dynamics of family life and the spiritual nature of social institutions provide further understanding of dysfunctions in society. Hegel also introduces the concept of moral failings alongside functional failings, as seen in the master-slave dialectic, illustrating how social pathology is a result of both moral and functional deficiencies within a society.
Importance of Plato's idea of functionality in societies
Plato's idea of functionality in societies introduces the concept that functions need to be specialized and coordinated. This understanding leads to the recognition of imbalances among subsystems. Moreover, Plato's exploration of the polis reveals how the whole society can become overrun by feverish desires, analogous to cancerous unrestrained growth. Recognizing these pathologies comes before developing a clear vision of a healthier society.
The significance of conventions and normative consensus in social life
Conventions and normative consensus play a crucial role in social life by governing our practices and institutions. These agreements give normative authority to the rules we follow, and they are the foundation of social reality. While conventions can change and are created by humans, they shape our social order and give meaning to our actions and institutions. They provide a sense of transcendental meaning beyond utility or pleasure, contributing to a healthier social life.
A conversation with Frederick Neuhouser about his recent book "Diagnosing Social Pathology: Rousseau, Hegel, Marx, and Durkheim" (Cambridge University Press).
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