What's Left of Philosophy

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

In this episode, we discuss the 2007 text The Coming Insurrection, written by the pseudonymous collective The Invisible Committee. We talk about the book’s scathing condemnation of the present, its critique of everyday life in the dying late capitalist empires of the 21st century, and the kind of insurrectionary anarchism it advocates. Maybe we’re just grumpy old people who have failed to kill the cops in our heads, but we think the project dead-ends in presentist adventurism and doesn’t take seriously enough the importance of social stability and political organization. That said, we try to take a sympathetic look at the moment of negativity it expresses, and think about how it speaks to real frustrations and genuine revolutionary desires. We’re diversity of tactics people who want to build a better future together, after all!This is just a short teaser of the full episode. To hear the rest, please subscribe to us on Patreon:patreon.com/leftofphilosophyReferences:The Invisible Committee, The Coming Insurrection (Los Angeles: semiotext(e), 2009).Music:“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN

Dive into the intriguing world of possessive individualism, where individual freedom clashes with market-driven society. Explore how C.B. Macpherson critiques liberalism's roots, revealing tensions between private property and social cohesion. Enjoy a humorous take on philosophical discourse while grappling with class conflicts and the quest for equity. Amidst disillusionment in the current political climate, the conversation raises the question: can liberalism survive its growing contradictions? Get ready for a thought-provoking reflection on the potential futures of our societies!

Tommie Shelby, the Caldwell Titcombe Professor of African American Studies and Philosophy at Harvard, joins the discussion with his insights on prison abolition. He explores the moral dilemmas surrounding incarceration and the societal functions prisons serve, questioning their legitimacy. Shelby delves into the distinctions between reformist and abolitionist approaches, advocating for radical transformation in social justice. The conversation weaves together critiques of the criminal justice system, historical implications, and the impact of prisons on marginalized communities.