European Intellectual History since Nietzsche

Explore the intriguing contrast between Enlightenment thought and Romanticism, emphasizing the exaltation of human reason. Delve into navigating groundlessness, examining the absence of God and the evolution of selfhood. Discover how intellectual transformations shaped political turmoil in the 20th century, addressing themes of identity and freedom amid totalitarianism. Uncover the poignant legacy of Edith Stein, tracing her journey from philosopher to saint against the backdrop of heartbreak and historical tragedy.

Dive into the moral quagmire surrounding Martin Heidegger's ties to Nazism and the profound reflections of Paul Celan. Explore how Edith Stein navigated her identity as a Jewish woman in academia during a tumultuous time. Hear about the urgent quest for truth that philosophers like Husserl undertook against rising irrationalism. Unravel the ethical dilemmas post-war German intellectuals faced as they reconciled admiration for Heidegger's thought with his political choices, all while questioning the very nature of forgiveness and complicity.

Delve into the philosophical turmoil of post-1968 Eastern Europe, where disillusionment clashes with revolt among Polish students. Explore the Grand Inquisitor's parable, showcasing the tension between faith and freedom. Discover 'antipolitics' in Czechoslovakia, revealing a shift towards societal deception amid totalitarianism. Hear about the grassroots rise of human rights discourse and the struggles of the Plastic People of the Universe as they seek artistic survival. The narrative intertwines moral dilemmas and the pursuit of truth in oppressive regimes.

Explore the fascinating world of French post-structuralism, particularly Derrida's groundbreaking concept of deconstruction. Delve into how this idea challenges traditional binaries and reshapes our understanding of language. Discover the complex interplay of friendship and betrayal between Derrida and Paul de Man, and ponder the political implications of deconstruction as a resistance against absolute truths. This engaging discussion invites listeners to embrace the fluidity of meaning and the creativity that emerges from uncertainty.

Dive into the intricate world of Michel Foucault’s theories, where power weaves through our understanding of modernity and post-modernity. Explore the tensions between language and reality, and how post-modernism challenges stable truths. Discover Foucault's critique of individualism and the influence on historical narratives. Delve into the societal impact of the AIDS epidemic on public discourse. Finally, examine the fluid connections between power, sexuality, and knowledge, ultimately questioning fixed truths and identities.

Dive into the provocative ideas of René Girard, exploring how violence intertwines with the sacred. Discover the intriguing concept of mimetic desire, revealing how our wants often mirror those around us, leading to rivalry and conflict. Unpack the role of the scapegoat in unifying societies through sacrifice, while contrasting Girard's views with those of structuralism's Claude Lévi-Strauss. Personal anecdotes illuminate these complex theories, showcasing their relevance to cultural stability and human experience.

Delve into the world of structuralism and its profound impact on anthropology and linguistics. Discover how key philosophical shifts responded to the decline of religious authority and led to existential crises. Explore a visionary’s dream of Esperanto, aiming to unite cultures amid strife. Uncover crucial concepts like semiotics and the interconnectedness of signs within social systems. Lastly, experience the evolution of structuralism through a linguist's journey amidst early 20th-century upheaval, revealing the dynamic relationship between language and culture.

Discover the evolution of revisionist Marxism in post-WWII Eastern Europe, where existentialist thought reshaped traditional ideologies. Explore the gripping tale of a tortured writer in Ukraine, highlighting the psychological struggles between captor and captive. Delve into Khrushchev's Secret Speech, a pivotal moment that challenged Stalinism. The journey also revisits the essence of Marxism, emphasizing the tension between individual agency and systemic forces, while reflecting on the resilient spirits navigating political upheaval.

Dive into the philosophical depths of intersubjectivity and its evolution from object-oriented views to relational dynamics. Discover the profound journey of a thinker who transitions through faith and war to embrace phenomenology while searching for truth. Explore existential thought through the master-slave dialectic, emphasizing recognition and ethical connections. Levinas's insights on self and other challenge us to rethink relationships, blending ethics with our understanding of existence in a world marked by complexity and alienation.

Explore Simone de Beauvoir's groundbreaking ideas on subjectivity and existentialism. Dive into her critique of traditional roles and the evolution of women's identities in society. Unpack the moral dilemmas faced in times of war, examining the tension between cowardice and honor. Delve into the shifting dynamics of gender and freedom, highlighting the importance of mutual recognition in challenging patriarchal norms. The discussion intricately weaves personal narratives with profound philosophical insights, revealing the complexities of identity and relationships.