John Dewey, a pioneering American pragmatist philosopher known for his influential ideas on education, dives into the essence of learning connected to human experience. He critiques traditional methods, advocating for education that adapts to individual student needs and backgrounds. Dewey delves into the balance of autonomy and guidance in classrooms, highlights the importance of genuine engagement, and addresses the role of internal motivation in learning. The conversation also touches on the nuances of diversity in education and the relation between his philosophies and Marxism.

Norman Geras, a noted political theorist, brings his insights on revolutionary ethics and justice. He champions a right to revolution, distinguishing between political and social revolutions and their justifications. The discussion delves into the interplay of democracy and socialism, critiquing historical assumptions while advocating for ethical clarity in movements. Geras challenges the singular views of class interests and emphasizes the necessity of collective self-transformation and institution-building in achieving true social change.

In this episode, we talk about the late, great Charles Mills and his landmark book The Racial Contract. Forcefully arguing that the modern discourse of egalitarianism and freedom is underwritten by a tacit commitment to global white supremacy, Mills develops an immanent criticism of liberalism that remains faithful to many of its core values. We discuss the limits and promises of liberal universalism, the potential reform of contractarian logic, and whether white people really mean it when they say they want to abolish whiteness. Rest in peace to a really real one.This is just a short clip from the full episode, which is available to our subscribers on Patreon: patreon.com/leftofphilosophyReferences:Charles W. Mills, The Racial Contract (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1997).Music:“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN

Robert Nozick's libertarian political philosophy from 'Anarchy, State, and Utopia' is discussed, challenging leftist thought and distributive justice. Topics include wealth distribution, state intervention, taxation, liberalism, coercion, and envy in hip-hop culture.

Exploring Frantz Fanon's endorsement of revolutionary violence, the impact of violence on colonized and colonizers, and the dialectic of violence in decolonization. Emphasis on reclaiming agency, understanding the intersection of violence, land, and identity, and the transformative power of reason. Fanon's call for humanization and socialization in the decolonization process.

Dr. Jeff Diamanti delves into ecological materialism and logistical strategy, exploring terminals as spaces where capitalism abstracts matter. Discussions range from indigenous resistance to sustainable provision, blending Marxist theory with environmental concerns and emphasizing the relationships between materiality, Marxism, and environmental issues.

In this episode, we discuss essays from throughout G.A. Cohen’s philosophical career. Cohen is known as one of the founders of Analytical Marxism, so we talk about what this tradition in Marxist thinking is about and how it handles the problems of political let-down and disillusionment that affect us all. We also get into his polemics against the libertarians and John Rawls in his essays on exploitation, freedom, and justice.This is just a short clip from the full episode, which is available to our subscribers on Patreon:patreon.com/leftofphilosophyReferences:G.A. Cohen, Karl Marx’s Theory of History: A Defence (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1989).G.A. Cohen, “The Labor Theory of Value and the Concept of Exploitation,” Philosophy & Public Affairs 8(4)(1979): 338-360.G.A. Cohen, “The Structure of Proletarian Unfreedom,” Philosophy & Public Affairs 12(1)(1983): 3-33.G.A. Cohen, Rescuing Justice and Equality (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2008).Nicholas Vrousalis, The Political Philosophy of G.A. Cohen (London: Bloomsbury, 2015).Music:“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN

Expert on contemporary far-right movements, Alberto Toscano, discusses late fascism, distinguishing it from past fascism. Exploring how Black and anti-colonial perspectives can help understand contemporary fascism. Critiquing liberal discourse's failure to grasp the specificity of fascism and highlighting the importance of anti-fascist thought.

Dr. Ajay Singh Chaudhary discusses climate degradation, colonial relations, and left-wing climate realism. They dispel apocalyptic fantasies and explore the role of temporality in addressing climate crises. The conversation emphasizes the need for systemic changes and broad coalitions for effective climate activism.

Dr. Matt McManus, an expert in right-wing political history and philosophy, delves into conservatism's roots, from Burke to De Maistre. They discuss right-wing rhetoric, conservatism turning extremist, and the aestheticization of politics. The guest emphasizes the importance of understanding conservative thought and strategies for engaging with opposing ideologies.