What's Left of Philosophy

In this episode, we talk about David Harvey’s analysis of the urbanization process as a form of accumulated surplus capital expenditure and consider the built environment as a crucial site of class struggle. The physical constitution of the built environment in which we live mediates our forms of sociality and political dispositions, not to mention how important it is for making mass action and organization possible. So it sure sucks that the shape of its development has been determined by the needs of capital rather than those of human flourishing for a few hundred years now! Oh, and we’re really mean to the suburbs, too. This is just a short clip from the full episode, which is available to our subscribers on Patreon: patreon.com/leftofphilosophyReferences:David Harvey, “The urban process under capitalism: a framework for analysis.” In Urbanization and Urban Planning in Capitalist Society, eds. Michael Dear and Allen Scott (London: Routledge, 1981).David Harvey, “The Right to the City.” New Left Review 53 (Sept/Oct 2008). https://newleftreview.org/issues/ii53/articles/david-harvey-the-right-to-the-cityMusic:“Vintage Memories” by Schematist | schematist.bandcamp.com“My Space” by Overu | https://get.slip.stream/KqmvAN

Michael Peterson, philosopher, joins the show to talk about the flaws of utilitarianism, the hidden meanings in Nietzsche's writings, and the impact of AI on society. They also discuss terminating government contracts, the consequences of not reading terms and conditions, and the argument on wealth disparity and corruption.

Professor Vanessa Wills discusses how capitalism is intertwined with sexism and racism, emphasizing the importance of understanding capitalism's role in shaping these forms of discrimination. The conversation explores Marxism's analysis of labor as the key to scientific knowledge, Marx's perspective on integrating individuals with the external world, the relationship between philosophy and practice, and how capitalism perpetuates sexism and racism. The potential of socialist transformation to address social oppression within a capitalist system is also explored.

The hosts discuss the influence of Perry Anderson and his book 'Considerations on Western Marxism'. They explore the emergence of Western Marxism and the shift from economics to philosophy. They also discuss the connection between political organizations and Marxist themes, the shift to practical concerns in Marxism, the narrowing of academic philosophy, and the decline of mass politics in Western Marxism.

This podcast explores the connection between capitalism and the environment, discusses Marxist thinker John Bellamy Foster's concept of metabolic rift, and debates the compatibility between ecology and socialism. It delves into ecofascism, the urgency of the ecological crisis, and highlights the alarming situation in Bangladesh sinking into the ocean.

Robin Hahnel and Michael Albert discuss their proposals for participatory planning and economics. They argue for democratic consensus through federated workers' councils as an alternative to centralized planning and markets. They address criticisms of their approach and explore challenges in implementing a new social system. The podcast also explores the intersection of economics with values and ethics, reevaluates freedom and value, and discusses potential issues of bureaucracy in participatory planning. It touches on the concept of perceived value, the organization of local councils, and the idea of luxury automated communism.

Rainer Forst, Kantian critical theorist, discusses his theory of power and reason, examining economic domination, distinguishing power from violence, and the problem of circularity in judging reasons for acting. They explore the role of justification in power dynamics and the principle of generalizability and reciprocity in situations like violence and workers going on strike.

E.P. Thompson, the legendary Marxist historian, discusses time, work discipline, and industrial capitalism. They explore the evolution of time discipline, cultural stereotypes, transitioning from work to leisure, and the negative impact of work patterns. Is laziness a virtue? Tune in to find out!

In this episode, researcher and video essayist John Duncan joins the hosts to discuss the Effective Altruism movement. They critique its individualism, dismissal of historical context, and focus on cost-effectiveness. They also explore institutional connections, systemic change, and the idealism of effective altruism. The speaker argues for addressing systemic issues rather than changing individuals' minds. They further discuss the challenges of rationality, economics in the movement, and upcoming projects by John Duncan.

This podcast discusses the philosophy and practice of Gerrard Winstanley, a key figure in English Revolutionary politics. Topics covered include the abolition of all 'kingly power', the contrast between Winstanley and Thomas Hobbes, the concept of the 'commons', property relations, enemies in Winstanley's vision, and the incompatibility between Hobbes' vision and the emergence of political ideas during the English Revolution.