Acid Horizon
Acid Horizon
Emerging from affinities with post-structuralism, abolitionism, biopolitics, communism, critical metaphysics, critical mysticism, and ontological anarchy, Acid Horizon is a philosophy and theory podcast committed to thought in motion and political struggle. While these are our grounding currents, each episode opens out onto a wider constellation: ethics, politics, phenomenology, decolonial thought, queer theory, post-psychoanalysis, disability/crip theory, anarchism, Marxism, feminism, and analyses of the emergence of the new right.Comprised of a decentralized collective of friends and comrades, Acid Horizon cultivates a terrain of militant inquiry. From readings that span 20th-century French communism to new perspectives on German idealism, the collective has also undertaken forays into aesthetic experimentation, philosophical heresy, and the history of revolt. We seek the concepts and intensities that gesture toward new forms of life.Acid Horizon pushes theory beyond the academy through live engagements, collaborative reading groups, and collective interventions.
Episodes
Mentioned books
22 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 16min
How Did Analytic Philosophy Become the Ruling Class of Thought? Christoph Schuringa Explains
Christoph Schuringa, an author known for his work "A Social History of Analytic Philosophy," dives deep into the political undercurrents of analytic philosophy. He reveals how its claims of neutrality are often undermined by hidden ideological influences and class dynamics. The discussion touches on its complex relationship with continental philosophy and the implications for AI ethics. Schuringa also tackles the shadows of McCarthyism, providing insights into how historical crises shaped this philosophical realm.
4 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 59min
Becoming Worthy of the Event: Deleuze, Nietzsche, and Revolutionary Ethics with Justin
Dive into the idea of becoming worthy of events through the lenses of Deleuze and Nietzsche. The discussion highlights revolutionary ethics and the need to overcome resentment to fully embrace life. By emphasizing playfulness and the impact of childhood education, the conversation reveals how emotional well-being can foster societal change. Explore the interplay between chance, transformation, and individuality as philosophical tools for action. Joy and engagement emerge as keys to redefining our relationship with the world.
39 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 39min
Fanon and Sartre: Rethinking Praxis, Race, and Revolution
Tyrique Mack-Georges, a graduate student at Penn State exploring critical philosophy for race, engages with the transformative relationship between Sartre and Fanon. Exciting insights arise on how Sartre’s dialectical reasoning sheds light on Fanon’s revolutionary ideals. They discuss the concept of 'group infusion' as a means for collective action in confronting racial capitalism. The conversation further navigates the challenges of isolation in today's digital landscape and emphasizes the necessity of uncomfortable truths for meaningful change.
12 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Roots of 'Gender-Critical' Fascism: White Supremacy, Reactionary Feminism, and the Far Right
Join Alex Charnley and Michael Richmond, co-authors of 'Fascism and the Women's Cause', as they dive into the murky waters of feminism's complex history. They reveal how certain strands of white feminism have historically aligned with far-right movements, from the suffragettes to the KKK. The conversation critiques the dangerous crossovers between liberalism, transphobia, and today’s so-called 'gender-critical' movements, calling for a feminism that truly opposes fascism and champions inclusivity.
28 snips
Jun 21, 2025 • 1h 44min
Georges Bataille’s 'On Nietzsche': War, Chance, and the Collapse of Meaning with Stuart Kendall
Stuart Kendall, a translator known for his work on Georges Bataille, dives deep into Bataille’s 'On Nietzsche,' a philosophical gem penned during World War II. They discuss how Bataille uses Nietzsche as a companion to navigate themes of sovereignty and death amidst chaos. The conversation touches on existential fragility, the ethics of risk, and the concept of 'The Will to Chance' as a response to societal upheaval. Additionally, the emotional resonance of Bataille's work is examined, shedding light on the intricacies of trauma and human experience.
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h
Hermaphrodite Logic: A History of Intersex Liberation with Juliana Gleeson
Join Juliana Gleeson, author and intersex activism advocate, as she dives into the transformative world of intersex liberation. She recounts the powerful protests of the 1990s and how advocates challenged harmful medical practices. The conversation highlights the strategic use of humor within the movement, showcasing its ability to engage and inform. Gleeson also addresses the intricate legal landscape affecting intersex identities and the importance of representation in art and literature, all while intertwining personal narratives and philosophical insights.
48 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
'Black Mirror', Henri Bergson, and the Death of Creative Time with Emily Herring
Emily Herring, a writer and philosopher known for 'Herald of a Restless World,' delves into the thought-provoking themes from 'Black Mirror.' She questions whether the series still serves as speculative fiction or merely mirrors our reality. Herring discusses platform capitalism, cognitive exploitation, and the enigmatic concept of enshittification. Drawing on Henri Bergson's insights, she explores how technology impacts our autonomy, creativity, and memory, arguing that qualitative aspects of consciousness struggle to survive in a tech-driven world.
6 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 30min
The Lamella and the Lacanian Break: Taylor Adkins on “Position of the Unconscious”
In this engaging dialogue, Taylor Adkins, a translator and theorist known for his work on Deleuze and Guattari, delves into the complexities of Lacan's 'Position of the Unconscious.' He examines Lacan's fraught legacy and his impact on psychoanalysis, highlighting the philosophical rift with Guattari. Adkins shares insights on the transformations of subjectivity and desire, along with his experiences translating French philosophy and collaborating on the 'Machinic Unconscious Happy Hour' podcast, making it a thought-provoking discussion for philosophy enthusiasts.
16 snips
May 27, 2025 • 1h 18min
Ontologies of Queerness: Deleuze, Butler, and Beyond with Billie Cashmore and Xenogothic
Join writer and theorist Billie Cashmore, known for her insights on the political character of queerness, alongside Mattie Colquhoun, also known as Xenogothic, who offers a unique perspective on transness. They dive into the philosophical underpinnings of queerness, examining its relation to identity and societal constructs. They tackle complex topics like trans rights, the intersection of orphanhood and trans identity, and the unrepresentable nature of queer experiences. Expect a thoughtful exploration of gender fluidity and the need for radical inclusivity.
6 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 15min
Eros and Empire: A Marxist Theory of Desire, Queer Liberation, and the Limits of the Nation with Alexander Stoffel
In this discussion with Alexander Stoffel, author of Eros and Empire, they dive into the intricate links between queer liberation and Marxist theory. Stoffel reveals how desire can serve as a tool against imperialism and capitalism, exploring the rich histories of LGBTQ activism, from Stonewall to Black lesbian feminism. He argues for solidarity beyond nationalistic boundaries, and how capitalism distorts personal aspirations. The conversation highlights the ongoing struggles for queer and trans liberation and emphasizes the importance of an anti-capitalist perspective.
