New Books in Critical Theory

Irvin Weathersby Jr., a Brooklyn-based writer and professor from New Orleans, dives deep into the reflection of America's racial history through public spaces. He shares personal anecdotes from his childhood and confronts the lingering presence of Confederate monuments. Weathersby discusses the interplay between art and identity, and explores the emotional weight embedded in historical sites like the Whitney Plantation. He encourages listeners to foster empathy and consider how these symbols shape our understanding of race, ultimately promoting healing through love and human connection.

Eli Zaretsky, a history professor at The New School, shares his journey through the intersection of Freud's theories and political thought. He unpacks how psychoanalysis elucidates societal structures and examines its dual role as both conservative and critical. Zaretsky discusses the contributions of African-American intellectuals and the socio-political implications of Freud's work, especially in relation to capitalism and identity movements. His insights challenge contemporary views on the self and underscore the enduring relevance of psychoanalysis in understanding political dynamics.

Daniel José Gaztambide is an author and researcher at Queens College, tackling the intersection of psychoanalysis and decolonization. He explores the influence of Frantz Fanon on contemporary therapeutic practices, emphasizing the need to address systemic inequalities in mental health. Gaztambide rethinks traditional techniques to embrace the complexities of identity and trauma, especially within marginalized communities. He proposes a model that connects personal experiences with broader sociopolitical issues, advocating for a more holistic approach in psychotherapy.

William Marx, a Professor of Comparative Literature at the Collège de France, delves into the fascinating concept of our mental libraries. He explores how forgotten and overlooked texts—what he calls 'dark matter'—influence our understanding of literature. Marx emphasizes the importance of reading aloud and the intersection of oral traditions with written texts. He critiques cultural biases in the literary canon and champions the need for diverse literary experiences, urging us to embrace a more inclusive approach to literature in our minds.

Sarah E. K. Smith, an Associate Professor at Western University and Canada Research Chair in Art, Culture, and Global Relations, explores the dynamic interplay of art and trade in North America. She discusses how cultural diplomacy influences economic relationships and highlights case studies of art initiatives that foster empathy and challenge stereotypes. Smith also sheds light on Mexico's historically overlooked art within Canadian institutions and examines how free trade agreements like NAFTA have shaped contemporary artistic expression and identity.

Chris Washington, Associate Professor of English at Francis Marion University and author of "Nonbinary Jane Austen," explores Jane Austen's radical reimagining of gender. The conversation delves into how Austen's work challenges traditional binary frameworks, advocating for a pluralistic interpretation. Washington highlights the fluidity of gender representation, particularly through characters like Lady Susan. They connect classic literature to contemporary gender theories, revealing Austen's relevance in discussions about identity and the complexities of societal norms.

Philip Cunliffe, an Associate Professor of International Relations at University College London, dives into the fading concept of national interest amidst the backdrop of globalization. He discusses how political leaders have neglected national interest over the last thirty years, impacting political representation and accountability. Cunliffe critiques contemporary populism, the rise of nationalism, and the complex interplay between national interests and democratic processes, urging a revival of the national interest for democratic renewal and better international cooperation.

In this discussion, Martin Shuster, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, dives into the critical importance of critical theory today, particularly the legacies of the Frankfurt School. He unpacks how thinkers like Adorno and Marcuse addressed systemic suffering and its relevance to contemporary issues. Topics include the interplay of culture and psychology, the commodification of art, and the necessity of critical frameworks in understanding today’s societal challenges. A compelling entry point for anyone eager to grasp the complexities of change.

Dan-el Padilla Peralta, a professor of classics at Princeton University, delves into the complex relationship between classicism and Black life. He critiques how traditional classical studies overlook Black cultural expressions, advocating for a redefined classicism rooted in insurgence and emancipation. The discussion spans the impact of colonialism on classical narratives and highlights the work of W.E.B. Du Bois. Padilla Peralta also emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to revitalize classical scholarship and address contemporary academic challenges.

Marx’s Capital looms large today, a century and a half after first publication, a massive tome that attempts to document and map out the dynamics of a society consumed by capital accumulation. The complexity and scope, as well as its voluminous incompleteness upon his death, have left many readers perplexed, looking for a ‘royal road’ to comprehension. However, this has led to a number of misreadings, with commentators often trying to pick at what they assume is the core of the text, leaving the rest behind.Against this, Thomas Kemple in his new book Marx's Wager: Das Kapital and Classical Sociology (Palgrave MacMillan, 2022) argues that understanding Capital mean’s reading it not just for the economic equations, but the social and moral insights as well. Rather than see Marx’s quotations of literature and poetry as an embellishment to spice up the economic analysis, he sees it performing moral and analytic work as well, allowing Marx to explore the nature of capitalism at a much broader level than narrow economics will allow. Putting Marx in dialogue with his contemporaries, particularly Durkheim, Weber and Simmel, Kemple finds Marx’s work to be much more dynamic and comprehensive than many of his readers have previously realized. This little book offers close textual analysis that will enable readers to approach Marx with fresh eyes, seeing elements of their society and themselves in the text that may have previously gone unnoticed.Thomas Kemple is a professor of sociology at the University of British Columbia. He is the author of several books, including Reading Marx Writing: Melodrama, the Market and the Grundrisse, Intellectual Work and the Spirit of Capitalism: Weber’s Calling and most recently Simmel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory