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Philosophy For Our Times
The lure of Lucifer | Terry Eagleton, Susan Neiman, and Stephen de Wijze
Feb 25, 2025
Join literary theorist Terry Eagleton, moral philosopher Susan Neiman, and political theorist Stephen de Wijze as they explore humanity's complex fascination with evil. They debate why violent characters captivate us and the glamorization of malevolence in media. Highlights include discussions on the moral ambiguities of historical figures, the impact of shows like 'The Sopranos' on societal behavior, and the urgent need for positive role models. The conversation challenges us to reassess our values in a world often drawn to darkness.
37:22
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast examines society's growing fascination with evil, suggesting it emerges from a cultural shift that renders virtue less appealing.
- It highlights the dangers of sensationalizing evil characters in media, potentially undermining moral standards and obscuring everyday moral failures.
Deep dives
The Glamour of Evil
Evil is often perceived as exciting or glamorous when virtue becomes mundane and unappealing. Historically, with the rise of middle-class values in the 16th and 17th centuries, traits associated with goodness like thrift and temperance became less desirable, making the allure of evil more pronounced. Writers like Thomas Aquinas viewed virtue as vibrant and fulfilling, contrasting it with evil's inherent lack of depth and true vitality. This shift in societal perspectives contributes to the contemporary fascination with evil characters, often glamorized in media, suggesting that the nature of goodness itself has become uninspiring.
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