Dr. Cornel West, philosopher, political activist, and social critic discusses the power of art and freedom, the fragility of democracies, the superficial culture, and long-lasting impact of 'Race Matters'. They also touch on accountability, Trump's presidency, the fragile nature of democracy, white supremacy, the contradictions of the American dream, lack of awareness in US military actions, leaving a legacy through love and service, the significance of sports in promoting equality, the passion and commitment of musicians, influential musicians in the blues tradition, cultural appropriation in black genres, the power of music and reflection, the history of immigration and the invisibility of indigenous peoples, and Native American sovereignty and the fight against a pipeline.

Political activist and philosopher Cornel West discusses topics including anti-Palestinian racism at Harvard, the genocide in Gaza, LandBack, and the soulcraft of spiritual resistance to global calamities.

Renowned political activist Cornel West joins the discussion, bringing his profound insights as an independent presidential candidate. He critiques the American political duopoly, arguing both parties perpetuate systemic injustices. West emphasizes the need for grassroots movements to challenge oppression and highlights the resilience of marginalized communities. He explores the moral failures in leadership, the importance of youth activism, and the impact of Black intellectuals on American identity, calling for unity against rising fascism and a more equitable future.

Sean Illing talks with Cornel West about the American philosophical tradition known as pragmatism. They talk about what makes pragmatism so distinctly American, how pragmatists understand the connection between knowledge and action, and how the pragmatist mindset can invigorate our understanding of democratic life and communal action today. Cornel West also talks about the ways in which pragmatism has influenced his work and life, alongside the blues, Chekhov, and his Christian faith.This is the third episode of The Philosophers, a new monthly series from Vox Conversations. Each episode will focus on a philosophical figure or school of thought from the past, and discuss how their ideas can help us make sense of our modern world and lives today.Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews writer, VoxGuest: Cornel West (@CornelWest), author; Dietrich Bonhoeffer professor of philosophy & Christian practice, Union Theological SeminaryReferences to works by American pragmatists:  Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882): "Self-Reliance" (1841) William James (1842–1910): Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking (1907); The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902); "Is Life Worth Living?" (1895) Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914): "The Fixation of Belief" (1877) John Dewey (1859–1952): The Quest for Certainty (1929); "Emerson—The Philosopher of Democracy" (1903); The Public and Its Problems (1927) Richard Rorty (1931–2007): "Pragmatism, Relativism, and Irrationalism" (1979); "Solidarity or Objectivity?" (1989) Other references:  Cornel West Teaches Philosophy (MasterClass) The American Evasion of Philosophy: A Genealogy of Pragmatism by Cornel West (Univ. of Wisconsin Press; 1989) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) Plato, Republic (refs. in particular to Book 1 and Book 8) The Phantom Public by Walter Lippmann (1925) Leopardi: Selected Poems of Giacomo Leopardi (1798–1837), tr. by Eamon Grennan (Princeton; 1997) "The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus (1942; tr. 1955) Democracy & Tradition by Jeffrey Stout (Princeton; 2003) Enjoyed this episode? Rate Vox Conversations ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Vox Conversations by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.Support Vox Conversations by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Editor: Amy Drozdowska Engineer: Patrick Boyd Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cornel West, high-profile philosopher, writer and activist, discusses his reasons for running for president and the potential impact on the election. They delve into America's inequality, wealth disparity, war crimes, and the changing dynamics of black voter support. The host challenges West about his ambitions as a third-party candidate, with Bernie Sanders disagreeing.

Dr. Cornel West discusses the state of the campaign and nation, threats of Biden and Trump, and the genocide in Gaza. Critiques Biden administration's stance on Gaza crisis and explores ethical implications in political actions. Examines perspectives on Hamas and terrorism in Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the need for equality and dignity. Explores challenges of political campaign progress and movement building.

Sean Illing talks with Cornel West about the American philosophical tradition known as pragmatism. They talk about what makes pragmatism so distinctly American, how pragmatists understand the connection between knowledge and action, and how the pragmatist mindset can invigorate our understanding of democratic life and communal action today. Cornel West also talks about the ways in which pragmatism has influenced his work and life, alongside the blues, Chekhov, and his Christian faith.This was an episode of The Philosophers, a series from Vox Conversations, originally released in May.Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), Interviews writer, VoxGuest: Cornel West (@CornelWest), author; Dietrich Bonhoeffer professor of philosophy & Christian practice, Union Theological SeminaryReferences to works by American pragmatists:  Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882): "Self-Reliance" (1841) William James (1842–1910): Pragmatism: A New Name for Some Old Ways of Thinking (1907); The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902); "Is Life Worth Living?" (1895) Charles Sanders Peirce (1839–1914): "The Fixation of Belief" (1877) John Dewey (1859–1952): The Quest for Certainty (1929); "Emerson—The Philosopher of Democracy" (1903); The Public and Its Problems (1927) Richard Rorty (1931–2007): "Pragmatism, Relativism, and Irrationalism" (1979); "Solidarity or Objectivity?" (1989) Other references:  Cornel West Teaches Philosophy (MasterClass) The American Evasion of Philosophy: A Genealogy of Pragmatism by Cornel West (Univ. of Wisconsin Press; 1989) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925) Plato, Republic (refs. in particular to Book 1 and Book 8) The Phantom Public by Walter Lippmann (1925) Leopardi: Selected Poems of Giacomo Leopardi (1798–1837), tr. by Eamon Grennan (Princeton; 1997) "The Myth of Sisyphus" by Albert Camus (1942; tr. 1955) Democracy & Tradition by Jeffrey Stout (Princeton; 2003) Enjoyed this episode? Rate The Gray Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of The Gray Area by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.Support The Gray Area by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Editor: Amy Drozdowska Engineer: Patrick Boyd Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Cornel West, a political activist and philosopher, discusses his presidential run with the Justice for All Party. Topics include electoralism, love, art in movements, and the challenges of US imperialism. The conversation explores fighting injustices with radical optimism, integrity, and anti-imperialism.

Cornel West and Raoul Martinez discuss running for president as an independent, the decline of the American empire, and comparisons of political landscapes in the US and UK. They also delve into the genocide in Gaza, US imperial policies, and the intersection of spirituality and politics, emphasizing the role of love, healing, and truth-telling in addressing societal issues.

Cornel West, political analyst and activist, discusses impending signs of a major political shift. Topics include battleground states, Media Matters president's controversial blog posts, and William Cogswell becoming the mayor of Charleston. The podcast explores intentional destruction of the country, Democrats' top-down tyranny plan, wasted money, gun rights, government's move towards tyranny, free speech double standard, and Media Matters manipulation tactics.