Noëlle McAfee

Noëlle McAfee, a philosophy professor at Emory University, dives into the intricate connections between psychoanalysis and democracy. She explores how fears of breakdown hinder democratic engages, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and dialogue. McAfee discusses the role of feelings in decision-making and the impact of loss and grief on political life. She also critiques the intersection of nationalism and motherhood, revealing how gendered anxieties shape our political landscapes, challenging us to re-engage with collective deliberation.

Noëlle McAfee, a Professor of Philosophy at Emory University, discusses her book, exploring how fears of societal breakdown affect democracy. She highlights the challenges of emotional engagement in political discourse and the necessity of embracing uncertainty. McAfee emphasizes the importance of honest communication in fostering intimacy and bridging divides, while also tackling the psychological relief that comes from overcoming fear and demonization. Additionally, she critiques traditional psychoanalytic theories surrounding mourning and its chaotic intertwining with human destructiveness.

Guest Noëlle McAfee, Chair of the Philosophy Department at Emory University, discusses civil disobedience, political dialogue, and the crackdown on student activism on American campuses. They explore the roots of disobedience, the importance of activism in democracy, and the relationship between legal protest and political change.