Dr. Thomas Sutherland, a digital media lecturer at the University of Southampton and author, dives into the intriguing thought of philosopher Peter Sloterdijk. They discuss Sloterdijk's timely critiques of cynicism and explore concepts like spheres, co-existence, and interdependence. Sutherland highlights the tension between awareness of societal illusions and necessary behavioral change, termed 'enlightened false consciousness.' The conversation also touches on the art of philosophy as wisdom, urging a reconsideration of individuality shaped by social influences.
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insights INSIGHT
Critique of Cynicism
Sloterdijk critiques modern cynicism as an "enlightened false consciousness."
People recognize societal illusions but remain powerless to change their behavior.
insights INSIGHT
Cynicism and Critical Theory
This cynicism, prevalent in critical theory, separates words from deeds.
Critics expose ideology without changing their own lives, creating a disconnect.
insights INSIGHT
Ancient Kynicism vs. Modern Cynicism
Sloterdijk contrasts "kynicism", an active, anti-elitist philosophy of Diogenes, with modern cynicism.
Kynics align words and actions, embodying their beliefs.
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Slavoj Žižek's 'The Sublime Object of Ideology' is a complex and influential work in critical theory. It delves into the Lacanian concept of the sublime object, exploring how ideological structures shape our desires and perceptions. Žižek critiques traditional Marxist notions of ideology, offering a unique perspective on how ideology functions in contemporary society. The book is known for its challenging style and dense arguments, weaving together psychoanalysis, Hegelian dialectics, and Marxist theory. Its impact on critical theory and cultural studies is undeniable, prompting ongoing discussions and interpretations.
The Art of Philosophy, Wisdom as a Practice
The Art of Philosophy, Wisdom as a Practice
Peter Sloterdijk
Critique of Cynical Reason
Critique of Cynical Reason
Peter Sloterdijk
Today’s guest is Dr Thomas Sutherland, author of the Bloomsbury title, Speaking Philosophically: Communication at the Limits of Discursive Reason(Bloombury, 2024), lecturer in digital media at the University of Southampton, and researcher into digital culture and the humanities, the history of philosophy and contemporary continental philosophy, and technologies of the self.
We discuss three areas that concern the odd character that is Peter Sloterdijk; namely, spheres, the practising life and his rehabilitation of philosophy as wisdom.
Dr Thomas Sutherland is a deep dabbler in Sloterdijk’s thought, having written various papers on his work, including Peter Sloterdijk and the ‘security architecture of existence’: immunity, autochthony, and ontological nativism, and Ontological co-belonging in Peter Sloterdijk's spherological philosophy of mediation. He is also familiar with a regular mention here on the podcast, François Laruelle and his non-philosophy.
We touch on;
Sloterdijk’s original work on Cynicism and why it is still relevant today
Spheres, co-existence & interdependence
The Practising Life & why ‘You Must Change your Life’
The Art of Philosophy as Wisdom
The strengths and weaknesses of Sloterdijk’s insights
New Books in Intellectual History 
