The Political Right and Equality: Turning Back the Tide of Egalitarian Modernity
Nov 8, 2023
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Professor Matthew McManus, Professor of Political Science, discusses the history of conservative thought, from Aristotle to the Enlightenment. They explore the influence of philosophy and religion on concepts of equality, the distinction between liberalism and socialism, and the impact of influential figures like Hegel and Dostoevsky. They also delve into the concerning trend of academic extremism and engage in a debate on Zionism and the Israeli government's relationships.
Conservative thinkers are drawn to Aristotle's hierarchical worldview due to its immutability and hierarchical structure.
Edmund Burke emphasized the importance of preserving social cohesion and traditions, projecting sublime principles onto those in authority.
Thomas Paine laid the foundation for liberal socialism, advocating for social welfare programs and critiquing hierarchy.
Dostoevsky idealized the Russian peasantry, but his admiration faded when they challenged the status quo.
Heidegger's rejection of liberalism and democracy has attracted far-right followers, despite his association with Nazism and dismissiveness towards the Holocaust.
Deep dives
Ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle and the Aristotelian Universe
Aristotle, an influential classical Greek thinker, advocated for a hierarchical worldview where each person has a designated place in nature and society. Conservatives find this worldview attractive due to its immutability and hierarchical structure.
The Enlightenment and David Hume's Conservative Empiricism
The Enlightenment challenged traditional hierarchical views and gave rise to revolutionary movements. Conservative thinker David Hume, while adopting an empiricist perspective, argued for the preservation of social institutions and traditions as they evolved to meet societal needs.
Edmund Burke and Conservative Liberalism in the Aftermath of the French Revolution
Edmund Burke, a prominent conservative figure, was sympathetic to the American Revolution but critical of the French Revolution. He argued for the preservation of social cohesion, order, and subordination, highlighting the importance of traditions and projecting sublime principles onto those in authority.
Thomas Paine and the Vision of Liberal Socialism
Thomas Paine, an influential figure in the American Revolution, advocated for social democratic ideas ahead of his time. His works, such as Common Sense and Rights of Man, critiqued hierarchy and championed social welfare programs, laying the foundation for liberal socialism.
Dostoevsky's portrayal of the lower classes
Dostoevsky idealizes the Russian peasantry, portraying them as devout, content, and accepting of their humble role in society. He lauds their lack of ambition for power or political influence. However, Dostoevsky's admiration for the lower classes fades when they challenge the status quo or try to upend societal structures.
Heidegger and the appeal of far-right philosophy
Heidegger's philosophy has been popular among the far right due to its rejection of liberalism, socialism, and democracy. Heidegger advocated for a return to a spiritual mindset and a rejection of materialistic and hedonistic urges. Some see this as a rejuvenation of society and a departure from the banalities of contemporary culture. However, his association with Nazism and his dismissiveness towards the Holocaust reveal the dangerous elements of his thinking.
The concept of achieving 'great things' in far-right ideology
Far-right thinkers like Bronze Age Pervert emphasize the importance of achieving 'great things' through the cultivation of hypermasculine virtues and acts of expansion. However, this notion is critiqued as superficial and unimpressive. True greatness should be measured by how well a society treats its most vulnerable and creates conditions for human flourishing, which leads to more impressive and creative achievements.
The trajectory of 20th-century conservatism
In the podcast episode, the speaker discusses the trajectory of 20th-century conservatism. The early to mid-20th century conservative thinkers saw themselves as history's losers, struggling against the political left. However, this began to change in the 1960s, with the emergence of a new right-wing coalition that led to conservative electoral victories in the 1970s and 1980s. The fall of communism in 1989 further solidified the feeling of triumph in the conservative movement, as they believed they rolled back the tide of egalitarian modernity. The speaker highlights the need for leftists to understand this trajectory and develop political strategies to roll back the impact of neoliberalism and neoconservatism.
Heidegger's influence on the contemporary right
The speaker delves into the influence of philosopher Martin Heidegger on the contemporary right, particularly the alt-right. Heidegger's ideas have been embraced by figures such as Steve Bannon and propagated by figures like Michael Malice. The speaker, who was previously influenced by Heidegger, emphasizes the importance of discussing and understanding Heidegger's political thought to counter his appeal on the right. Heidegger believed in a descent of Western civilization from its original greatness and a rejection of the fundamental metaphysics of the modern world. His ideas have had a significant impact on the far-right fascist ideology, making it crucial to inoculate the left against his seductive arguments.
Together they explore over 2,000 years of conservative, anti-egalitarian, and reactionary political thought to get a better understanding of what the political right believes, and where those beliefs come from. They discuss aristotle, the Englightenment, the French Revolution and the reaction it generated, Hegel, Dostoevsky, liberalism and socialism, Heigegger, and how conservative thought evolved throughout the 20th Century.
