What's Left of Philosophy

Excitement builds for an upcoming live show in Chicago, spotlighting the Communist Manifesto. Attendees can expect an engaging evening filled with deep discussions about philosophy. There's also a noteworthy event featuring Pelle Dragsted, who will explore Nordic Socialism. With these diverse topics, the atmosphere promises to be both stimulating and thought-provoking!

Dive into Axel Honneth’s exploration of social freedom and its ties to individual freedom. The discussion contrasts various forms of freedom, emphasizing the critical relationship between economic conditions and social recognition. Personal relationships are examined, revealing how individual desires influence democratic engagement. The complexity of social values and institutional trust is critiqued, highlighting the disconnect felt by many in today's society. This thought-provoking analysis raises questions about the current state of critical theory and its relation to capitalism.

Explore the influential themes of Hardt and Negri's 'Empire' as it critiques globalization and revisits localism versus global dynamics. Discover the concept of the 'multitude' as a response to global capital and how technology transforms labor identities in a cybernetic world. Delve into the realities of deindustrialization and the impact of historical movements like the Arab Spring. The discussion navigates the limitations of traditional political parties and emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to public dissent and political organization.

The discussion dives into Alasdair MacIntyre’s After Virtue, highlighting his critique of modern morality's fragmentation. A battle between Nietzschean nihilism and Aristotelian ethics emerges as key thinkers are explored. The podcast challenges the idea of morality as a buffet, questioning the implications of moral relativism. It critiques Kant's approach and examines the importance of community in ethical decision-making. Ultimately, the conversation suggests that living without virtue is a disheartening reality.

A live show in Chicago is on the horizon, promising an engaging exploration of the Communist Manifesto. Attendees can look forward to lively discussions and audience participation, making it a unique experience. Limited tickets are available, and the event will be recorded for future release. The excitement is palpable as fans are encouraged to secure their spot for this one-time gathering!

Get ready to dive into the world of Spinoza's Ethics! Gil shares exciting details about his upcoming class in Chicago, emphasizing the profound insights to be gained from the philosopher's work. He highlights the importance of Spinoza in understanding ethics today and invites interested learners to enroll. This is a unique chance to explore deep philosophical concepts in an engaging setting. Don't miss out on the opportunity to expand your philosophical horizons!

Delve into Thorstein Veblen’s radical ideas that link modern culture to predatory barbarism, all fueled by capitalist excess. Explore how conspicuous consumption has become a social game, with the wealthy showcasing absurd priorities, like dreaming of colonizing Mars instead of solving earthly issues. The conversation humorously critiques the nostalgic Canadian attachment to the monarchy while reflecting on class dynamics. Touch on the persistent human drive for social esteem and the curious rituals of our ruling class that mirror ancient behaviors.

Dive into the complexities of political representation and its implications for modern democracy. The discussion critiques the gap between substantive representation and the hollow nature of formal systems. Insights on factionalism and its effects on marginalized communities are explored, alongside the growing influence of independent voters seeking genuine advocacy. The notion of the 'general will' is unpacked, raising questions about authority and collective interests. The talk also considers the challenges faced by leftist movements in balancing representation with effective action.

Dive into the intriguing realm of political Marxism, where historical development and class conflict take center stage. Explore how economic activities are shaped by societal factors, revealing the coercive dynamics of capitalism compared to pre-capitalist systems. Unpack the evolution of capitalism within the British Empire, linking labor exploitation to modern imperialist interpretations. Discover the complex interplay between economics and political power in labor dynamics, challenging entrenched binaries that influence radical thought.

In this episode, we discuss WLOP co-host William Paris’s recently published book Race, Time, and Utopia: Critical Theory and the Process of Emancipation. In his book, Will examines the utopian elements in the theories of W.E.B. Du Bois, Martin Delany, Marcus Garvey, Frantz Fanon, and James Boggs and their critique of racial domination as the domination of social time. The crew talks about the relationship between utopia and realism, the centrality of time for our social practices, and how history can provide critical principles for an emancipated society. We even find out whether Gil, Lillian, and Owen think the book is any good!  patreon.com/leftofphilosophyReferences:William Paris, Race, Time, and Utopia: Critical Theory and the Process of Emancipation (New York: Oxford University Press, 2025)Thomas Blanchet, Lucas Chancel, and Amory Gethin, "Why Is Europe More Equal than the United States?" American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 14 (4): 480–518 (2022)Music:“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN