What's Left of Philosophy

The conversation dives into Alfred Sohn-Rethel's provocative ideas linking commodity exchange to the origins of human consciousness. They discuss real abstraction, suggesting that social practices shape our mental categories. Critiques arise over whether Sohn-Rethel overemphasizes exchange over production. The discussion touches on the historical roots of exchange, the relationship between abstraction and language, and how AI reflects these concepts. Ultimately, they explore the potential for a new social synthesis that prioritizes use value over exchange.

Dive into the philosophical underpinnings of the Federalist Papers, where the tension between republican ideals and democratic forces takes center stage. Explore why past republics faltered and how the Constitution aims to suppress factionalism. Delve into the implications of the three-fifths compromise and how size influences political stability. Reflect on the Federalists' skepticism toward direct democracy and the enduring costs that come with constitutional durability. Can a more democratic approach survive within such a framework? Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation!

In this episode, we discuss the literary and cultural theories of Raymond Williams. Famous for classic works of literary analysis like The City and the Country and concepts like ‘structures of feeling’, we join Williams in analyzing how our emotions, impulses, and tone in poetry and novels evolve in relation to economic development. Many structures of feeling today are built on exploitation, but maybe that’s not the end of the story. This is just a short teaser of the full episode. To hear the rest, please subscribe to us on Patreon:patreon.com/leftofphilosophyReferences:Raymond Williams, Marxism and Literature (Oxford University Press, 1977). Raymond Williams, The Country and the City (Penguin Random House Vintage Classics, 2016). Music:“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN

Nicholas Vrousalis, a professor and author of 'Exploitation as Domination', dives into the nuances of capitalist exploitation as a form of domination, challenging traditional views of fairness. He argues that where there’s exploitation, there’s domination, but not vice versa. The discussion critiques existing capitalist structures, emphasizing freedom over justice in the labor market. Vrousalis envisions a non-exploitative economy, advocating for workplace democracies and exploring the importance of mutual service among equals.

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!