Todd McGowan returns to discuss Hegelian Dialectics. Dr. Todd McGowan is a professor in the Department of English as the University of Vermont, and co-host of the Why Theory podcast with Ryan Engeley. He's published a number of books on psychoanalysis, film and more. Todd's Links: https://www.uvm.edu/cas/english/profiles/todd-mcgowan https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-theory/id1299863834 https://www.otherpress.com/authors/todd-mcgowan/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/podcastcocoopercherry Twitter: @Podcastcocooper Instagram: @podcast_co_cooper_cherry

Todd McGowan, a Professor of Film Studies at the University of Vermont, delves into the complexities of universality and identity politics. He argues that universal values like equality and freedom arise from our experiences of their absence. McGowan critically examines the history of Nazism and Stalinism, offering a nuanced view that transcends typical totalitarian narratives. He also discusses how contemporary movements, such as Black Lives Matter, navigate the tension between universality and particularism, urging a reevaluation of identity's role in social struggles.

German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel is considered by many to be one of the most important thinkers to have ever lived. And he had a lot to say about Christianity, maybe even enough to say he changed how we thought about the faith forever. However, Hegel is notoriously difficult to follow, so Dr. Todd McGowan, author of “Emancipation After Hegel,” comes on the show to talk Hegel with the Talk Gnosis crew. We dialogue about dialectics, bringing heaven down to main street, the death of God, death in German, similarities and differences between Hegel’s thought and Gnosticism, why alienation can be a good thing, stoicism, and Hegel’s beautiful prose. Listen to Todd’s podcast “Why Theory?” at https://pod.link/1299863834  [https://ia804707.us.archive.org/1/items/finaltodd/finaltodd.mp3]  —————– Become a patron: http://patreon.com/gnostic​​ 

Todd McGowan, author of 'Embracing Alienation: Why We Shouldn't Try to Find Ourselves,' discusses the intriguing politics of non-belonging. He delves into the paradox of identity in contemporary culture and the role of alienation in cinema. McGowan critiques identitarian politics while highlighting how shared alienation can foster solidarity. The conversation also touches on determinism, the complexities of narrative, and the philosophical challenges of self-discovery. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how we relate to ourselves and society.

Todd McGowan discusses the relevance of Hegel's dialectical method to contemporary theory and politics, highlighting the subversive nature of contradiction. He challenges the familiar thesis-antithesis-synthesis schema and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing contradiction over 'difference'. McGowan combines philosophical discussions with playful references to films like Casablanca and Bridge on the River Kwai.

Todd McGowan, an author known for his insights on philosophy and psychoanalysis, discusses his latest work on alienation. He explores the complexities of societal disconnection amidst contemporary crises, emphasizing why embracing alienation can lead to true political emancipation. McGowan examines the intersection of alienation and creativity, sharing how personal writing influences narratives. The conversation also delves into the representation of alienation in cinema, linking it to broader themes of identity and community in modern society.

Todd McGowan, author of "Pure Excess - Capitalism and the Commodity," dives deep into the intricate relationship between capitalism and excess. He explores how commodities, influenced by aesthetics and packaging, shape consumer experiences. A personal Oreo anecdote highlights these dynamics, while discussions on sports fandom reveal loyalty's ties to familial connections. The conversation also touches on the death drive's dual nature and its impact on consumer behavior, questioning societal values in a culture saturated with excess.

Today I talked to Todd McGowan about his book Enjoyment Right & Left (Sublation Media, 2022).While understanding the psychic structure of pleasure and desire might seem to be unrelated to grasping our current political crisis, Todd McGowan argues that the intrinsically excessive nature of enjoyment is critically important to this effort. In a world that appears completely divided between right and left, McGowan calls for a universal form of enjoyment that unites people in an egalitarian project. Todd McGowan's previous books include Emancipation After Hegel, Capitalism and Desire, and The Impossible David Lynch, among others. He teaches theory and film at the University of Vermont. Cody Skahan (cas12@hi.is) is a student in the MA program in Anthropology at the University of Iceland as a Leifur Eriksson Fellow. His work focuses on environmentalism in Iceland, especially the social and political implications of the youth environmentalist movement in an arctic country that has created for itself a façade of being environmentally and socially progressive. More generally, his other interests span anywhere from critical theory, psychoanalysis, anarchism, cultural studies, anime studies, and applying theory through praxis. Cody co-hosts a social theory and anthropology podcast with two of his friends called Un/livable Cultures available wherever you get podcasts and has a blog at where he is trying to write more rather than just only read and talk about books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Todd McGowan, a professor and author of "Emancipation After Hegel: Achieving a Contradictory Revolution," dives into the nuances of Hegelian philosophy. He uncovers the often-misunderstood role of contradiction in dialectics and its implications for Marxism. The conversation highlights how Freudian psychoanalysis enriches Hegel’s ideas, and how embracing contradictions can drive societal progress rather than impede it. McGowan also discusses the impact of the French Revolution on Hegel's theories of freedom and equality, challenging listeners to reconsider their understanding of these complex philosophies.

Walter A. Davis, a Professor Emeritus and noted psychoanalyst, teams up with Todd McGowan, a film theorist, to discuss Davis's new novel 'The Last Catholic.' They explore the transition from academic writing to fiction, delving into creativity and identity. The conversation touches on the transformative power of literature, emphasizing critical reading and personal reflection. They also candidly share their struggles with faith, sexuality, and childhood experiences, linking personal growth to societal themes, ultimately advocating for intellectual and emotional emancipation.