Panelists William Paris, Nathan Duford, Eduardo Mendieta, and Paul North discuss the relevance of Frankfurt School critical theory in understanding race, gender, and authoritarianism. Topics include the Frankfurt School's amalgam of Marx and Freud, the patriarch as racketeer, the fetishization of suffering, race as a pathology of time, the relationship between gender panic and normativity, and the thinkers who have pushed Frankfurt School critical theory in feminist directions.

Paul Reitter, a professor at Ohio State University, and Paul North from Yale University dive deep into Marx's 'Capital.' They discuss the book's lasting influence and renewed relevance, especially post-2008 financial crisis. The duo emphasizes the challenges in translating Marx while exploring the duality of use value and exchange value. They also highlight Marx's empirical approach and the rich emotional context behind his critiques. The conversation delves into complexities like surplus value and commodity fetishism, revealing the nuances in interpreting Marx's ideas today.

Paul North and Paul Reitter, professors and translators, discuss their new, accessible version of Marx's Capital, emphasizing the intricacies of translating complex German philosophy. They explore Marx's enduring relevance in today's socio-political landscape. Nimrod Flaschenberg and Alma Itzhaky examine the tumultuous political climate in Israel post-October 7, addressing the rise of militarization and the dehumanization of Palestinians. They advocate for meaningful engagement to find a path toward coexistence amidst growing extremism and media influence.