Robinson's Podcast

Barry Loewer, a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers, returns to discuss the philosophy of science. He highlights the critical distinction between science and pseudoscience, exploring Karl Popper's falsification criteria. The conversation dives into the contentious nature of string theory and scientific realism, debating whether it's pseudoscience. Additionally, topics such as Marxism's philosophical impacts and the interplay between metaphysics and scientific inquiry are examined, prompting listeners to rethink the foundations of modern science.

Tim Maudlin, a Professor of Philosophy at NYU and the founder of the John Bell Institute, dives deep into Einstein's theory of special relativity. He dispels misconceptions about the ether and explores the distinction between absolute and relative space. The discussion highlights key concepts like the constancy of light speed and the profound implications of the twins paradox. Maudlin further connects relativity with quantum mechanics, bringing clarity to the intricate relationship between these foundational theories of physics.

David Albert, a distinguished Philosophy Professor at Columbia University, dives into the conundrum of time’s arrow. He explores the tension between past and future in both physics and everyday life. Discover insights on entropy and thermodynamics that underline why we remember the past but not the future. David unravels the complexities of time asymmetry, discussing how the laws of quantum physics challenge our understanding and perceptions. This enlightening conversation blends philosophy and science, prompting listeners to rethink their relationship with time.

Janna Levin is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Barnard College and director of the Science Studios at Pioneer Works. She dives into the captivating world of black holes, discussing their theoretical origins and the misconceptions surrounding them. Learn how they form and their significance in the universe, including their role in the potential fate of the cosmos. Levin also highlights the importance of collaboration in scientific discovery and explains why black holes are crucial to our understanding of gravity and the very fabric of space-time.

This episode came on the heels of a traumatic, eight-interview sprint in NYC. As you’ll see, this one was particularly chaotic, but the stars aligned to make it happen. Camera switches, bathroom breaks, health concerns, equipment malfunctions, and even a robbery didn’t prevent the conversation from coming together. With this in mind, I hope you’ll forgive how crazy and inconsistent the video is; the fact that it even got put together is courtesy of my friend and editor Yu Guo (a philosopher who got his PhD from NYU with past guest Paul Boghossian). Given that there’s some new intro music, and you’re already getting an abundance of distracting production nuggets, I decided to show the soup being made. My thanks go to Richard, who met with me twice in three days (not to mention his wife, who allowed it), and Michael, who put up with me for over four hours. - Robinson P.S. Toward the end of the episode Michael eats a jerky stick from Maui Nui Venison, which is a company operating out of Hawaii that manages the invasive deer population of Maui that is decimating the landscape. Instead of culling the animals and disposing of their bodies, the meat is butchered and sold. It is the only meat I eat, full-stop, and the ethical reasons are sufficient for this, but it is also the best meat that I have ever had. I reached out to Maui Nui and told them that I support what they are doing and would like to be of any help that I can. They gave me this coupon code—ROBINSON—which you can use for 15% off. I am not being paid for this in any way. I believe in what they are doing and I want this model to succeed. People are going to be eating meat for the foreseeable future and I would be happier if it was not factory-farmed meat. So please check Maui Nui out and give them a try! Richard Wolff is Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a visiting professor at The New School, where he works on economics in the Marxist tradition. Michael Hudson is Distinguished Research Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri, Kansas City and President of the Institute for the Study of Long-Term Economic Trends. He researches domestic and international finance, the history of economics, and the role of debt in shaping class stratification, among many other topics. OUTLINE 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Michael and Rick's Histories with Marx 16:50 A Marxless Education 29:42 Marxism and the West 35:18 Marx and the Emergence of Capitalism 43:59 Socialism Vs State Capitalism 49:21 The Culmination of Economics in Marx 57:16 The Crucial Features of Marxism 1:12:15 Marx, China, and the BRICS 1:25:57 The Laws of Motion of Finance Capitalism 1:28:58 Why Won't Mainstream Media Interview Michael Hudson and Richard Wolff? 1:42:16 Why is the American Empire Crumbling? 1:54:51 Is the Dollar Destroying the United States? 2:01:38 Marx as the Culmination of Classical Economics 2:10:19 Will Trump's China Tariff Policy Spell Disaster for America? 2:22:43 Is Trump's Policy on Russia Idiotic? 2:27:23 Does It Matter for America Who Wins the Election? 2:37:13 Michael's Rhetorical Abilities 2:43:54 How Can We Use Economics to Forecast the Future? 2:54:48 Does Paul Krugman Know Anything About Economics? 2:57:57 How Michael Got His PhD 3:04:59 What's Wrong With the Nobel Prize in Economics? 3:10:04 The Long and Short of Marx's Kapital 3:17:20 Capitalism and Labor 3:31:51 The Biggest Myth About Karl Marx

Judith Butler, a Distinguished Professor at UC Berkeley and a pioneer in gender theory, dives deep into contemporary issues. She discusses her upcoming book, "Who’s Afraid of Gender?", exploring the intricate dynamics of sex and gender. The conversation also delves into the political landscape of the 2024 election, focusing on candidates Trump and Harris. Additionally, Butler tackles the complex relationship between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, questioning prevalent narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advocating for equality and self-determination.

Niall Ferguson, a prominent historian and author, delves into pressing global issues including U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Israel. He questions whether America still functions as an empire and how its internal conflicts impact its global standing. Ferguson discusses the stark choices voters face, contrasting the implications of a Trump presidency against a Harris administration. He also explores the economic challenges impacting America's future and critiques the response to the Afghanistan withdrawal, emphasizing the dire consequences for democracy.

In this discussion, Victor Davis Hanson, a classicist and military historian, delves into the pivotal 2024 presidential race, weighing the merits of Donald Trump against Kamala Harris. He examines Trump's unique legal challenges and the implications of his candidacy as a twice-impeached former president. The conversation also tackles Biden's presidency, scrutinizing his foreign policies and internal party tensions. Additionally, Hanson shares insights on political divisions, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in today's contentious climate.

Richard Wolff, Professor Emeritus of Economics, explores the 2024 election landscape and the diminishing relevance of Donald Trump. He critiques both Trump's and Biden's economic policies, emphasizing their failure to address core issues like income inequality and labor rights. Wolff also discusses Kamala Harris's unique position within the political arena, alongside the implications of immigration policies. With insights into the influence of advertising on public perceptions and critiques of mainstream media, this conversation sheds light on the future trajectory of American politics.

Rashid Khalidi, the Edward Said Professor Emeritus of Modern Arab Studies at Columbia University, shares insightful perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He delves into the historical roots that led to the events of October 7, 2023, discussing the Nakba and its profound impact on Gaza. Khalidi critiques the role of propaganda in shaping narratives and examines the complexities of Egypt's involvement in the crisis. He emphasizes the need for dialogue and mutual understanding as vital steps toward lasting coexistence and peace.