Overthink

On episode 13 of Overthink, Ellie and David explain what performativity is. They explain why the phrase "performative ally" is not philosophically accurate, and how performativity is rooted in theories about language and identity. They talk about First Amendment laws, the ball culture of Paris is Burning, Legally Blonde, pornography, and more! Works Discussed: Judith Butler, Gender TroubleJennie Livingston, Paris is Burning J.L. Austin, How to Do Things with WordsJeremy Waldron, The Harm in Hate SpeechRae Langton "Subordination, Silence, and Pornography’s Authority" & "Beyond Belief: Pragmatics in Hate Speech and Pornography"Rebecca Kukla, "Performative Force, Convention, and Discursive Injustice"Support the showSubstack | overthinkpod.substack.com Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | dearoverthink@gmail.comYouTube | Overthink podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On episode 12 of Overthink, Ellie and David sit down with philosopher Brian Keeley to discuss conspiracy theories. The three examine both the appeal of conspiracy theories and the dire need for public trust in institutions to combat such beliefs. Following last week’s far-right attack on the Capitol, Ellie and David consider the particularly American nature of conspiracy theories that has existed since the nation's founding.  Finally, they discuss the way conspiracy theories root within families and communities and pull people apart.  Works Discussed Brian Keeley, "Of Conspiracy Theories"Anne Applebaum, "Trump and His Heirs Dream of Endless Victory"Jared Millson, "Conspiracy Theories"Stephan Lewandowsky and John Cook, "The Conspiracy Theory Handbook"Charles Pigden, "Before Conspiracy Theories and the Conventional Wisdom"Mack Lamoureux, “People Tell Us How QAnon Destroyed Their Relationships” J. Eric Oliver and Thomas J. Wood, "Conspiracy Theories and the Paranoid Style(s) of Mass Opinion"Support the showSubstack | overthinkpod.substack.com Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | dearoverthink@gmail.comYouTube | Overthink podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The podcast discusses how Zoom blurs privacy boundaries and the impact of self-view. They delve into the negative effects of self objectification, appearance anxiety, and inhibited agency. The episode also explores the challenges faced by individuals lacking privacy and the impact of being observed on Zoom.

Ellie and David debate the merit of New Year's Resolutions, discussing why only 8% of people keep them. They dive into Stoicism and Nietzsche for insights. The importance of questioning resolutions and continuous improvement are explored, along with rethinking resolutions beyond a yearly event. Nietzsche's influence on resolutions and worldview, memory, promises, and selfhood are also discussed.

On episode 9 of Overthink, Ellie and David dive into the concept of parrhesia (speaking truth to those in power). They discuss its origin in Ancient Greece with Socrates and Diogenes, as well as its resurgence in Foucault. The two get into modern day truth tellers such as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, Tristan Harris, Emma Sulkowicz, and more. Interested in the works discussed? Look no further:Andreas Huyssen, “Foreword: The return of Diogenes as Postmodern Intellectual”Michel Foucault, Fearless SpeechGordon Hull, “The Banality of Cynicism: Foucault and the Limits of Authentic Parrhēsia”Mary Anne Franks, “Fearless Speech”“The Social Dilemma,” dir. Jeff OrlowskiKurt Borg, “Foucault on Drugs: The Personal, the Ethical and the Political in Foucault in California”Emma Sulkowicz, "Carry That Weight"Support the showSubstack | overthinkpod.substack.com Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | dearoverthink@gmail.comYouTube | Overthink podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever been ghosted? In episode 8 of Overthink, Ellie and David deconstruct this dating dilemma. The duo discuss what ghosting does to our emotions; how the Greek notion of akrasia can help us understand why people ghost; how ghosting leaves us feeling, well, haunted; and more!Interested in the works discussed? Here you go!Jacques Derrida,  Specters of Marx Julia Kristeva, Strangers to Ourselves“Derrida,” dir. Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering KofmanCarl du Prel, The Philosophy of MysticismSupport the showSubstack | overthinkpod.substack.com Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | dearoverthink@gmail.comYouTube | Overthink podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In episode 7 of Overthink, Ellie and David dive into the sensation of empathy! The dynamic duo discuss mirror neurons, whether animals can feel empathy, nice boy syndrome, why the phrase “I feel your pain” is so annoying, and more!Interested in the works discussed? You can find them here:Frans De Waal, The Age of Empathy: Nature's Lessons for a Kinder SocietyHal Herzog and Mel Foster, Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat Edith Stein, On the Problem of EmpathyAmy Coplan and Peter Goldie, eds. Empathy: Philosophical and Psychological Perspectives, ed.Marco Iacoboni, Mirroring People: The New Science of How We Connect with Others Paul Bloom, Against EmpathySupport the showSubstack | overthinkpod.substack.com Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | dearoverthink@gmail.comYouTube | Overthink podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Ellie and David discuss millennials' obsession with homemaking, including topics such as the Danish concept of 'hygge,' alloparenting plants, the challenges of homeownership for millennials, everyday practices as a form of resistance, finding refuge and cultural connection in the Catholic church, the cultural implications of 'huga,' and the millennial obsession with plants. They also explore the philosophy of Epicurus and the pursuit of tranquility.

In episode 5 of Overthink, Ellie and David talk about the taste, smell, and function of nostalgia. They dive into al pastor tacos, cottagecore, teenage diary entries, old shampoo bottles, M.A.G.A and more!  Interested in the works discussed? You can find them here! Svetlana Boym, The Future of NostalgiaCathy Park Hong, Minor Feelings: An Asian-American ReckoningLauren Berlant, "Big Man" (https://socialtextjournal.org/big-man/)Sigmund Freud, Mourning and Melancholia Marcel Proust, In Search of Lost Time, volume 1: Swann's WayDerek Walcott, OmerosH.A. Kaplan, "The Psychopathology of Nostalgia"Support the showSubstack | overthinkpod.substack.com Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | dearoverthink@gmail.comYouTube | Overthink podcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Delving into the rise of Anti-Mask protests, discussing American individualism and freedom, exploring philosophical perspectives on freedom, and examining gender dynamics in mask-wearing.