New Books in Critical Theory

Stephen Sheehi, a distinguished scholar in Middle East and Arab Studies, shares insights on epistemology, critical race theory, and critical Muslim studies. He delves into the intellectual heritage of the Arab world and the implications of coloniality on Muslim identities. Sheehi discusses the intersections of race and Islamophobia, advocating for a decolonial perspective. The conversation further explores racial capitalism's ties to activism, particularly in light of recent events like George Floyd's death, and emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements in shaping a just future.

Steven Swarbrick and Jean-Thomas Tremblay dive into the provocative concept of 'negative life,' revealing the misalignment between individual needs and species survival. They critique ecocriticism’s often romantic views and explore how existing social relationships reflect a broken world. The discussion navigates pleasure versus trauma through film and psychoanalysis, urging listeners to confront flaws in ethical understandings. Ultimately, they connect the absurdity of existence to potential change, embracing hope amid unpredictability.

In this discussion, Adam Elliott-Cooper, a Lecturer in Public and Social Policy at Queen Mary University of London, dives into the compelling dynamics of Black resistance against British policing. He draws connections between colonial histories and modern systemic racism, revealing how movements like Black Lives Matter have emerged from past struggles. Adam highlights the critical role of black women activists and critiques the media's racial framing in crime narratives. Plus, he advocates for community-led reforms as alternatives to oppressive policing practices.

Christopher Phelps, an Associate Professor of American history, and Robin Vandome, a Professor in American Studies, lead a discussion on the allure of Marxism in America. They explore the historical and contemporary intersection of Marxist thought with issues of gender, race, and activism. Mara Keire delves into the feminist sex wars of the 1980s, challenging narratives around sexual violence. Andrew Hartman connects Marx's influence to American liberalism, revealing how socialist ideas evolve throughout American history, even in times of resistance.

In this conversation, philosopher and psychoanalyst Joel Whitebook dives into his book on Freud's life and legacy. He explores the complex interplay between Freud's personal experiences and his theories, particularly the often overlooked dimensions of motherhood. The discussion highlights the evolution of psychoanalysis, moving from Oedipal constructs to early relationships, while also examining trauma's role in shaping Freud's thought. Whitebook emphasizes the relevance of Freud's insights in today's world, challenging the notion of his obsolescence.

Peter Mandler, a Professor of Modern Cultural History at the University of Cambridge, delves into the evolution of Britain's education system post-World War II. He examines the tug-of-war between meritocracy and democracy, particularly through the lens of the Butler Act of 1944 and the rise of comprehensive schools. Mandler critically analyzes how public demand reshaped higher education, revealing the ongoing struggle against social inequality. He also reflects on the grassroots impact of universal secondary education on community identity and experience.

Todd McGowan, a Professor of Film Studies at the University of Vermont, delves into the complexities of universality and identity politics. He argues that universal values like equality and freedom arise from our experiences of their absence. McGowan critically examines the history of Nazism and Stalinism, offering a nuanced view that transcends typical totalitarian narratives. He also discusses how contemporary movements, such as Black Lives Matter, navigate the tension between universality and particularism, urging a reevaluation of identity's role in social struggles.

What were the key ideas and influences on Michel Foucault’s early career? In The Early Foucault (Polity Press, 2021), Stuart Elden, Professor of Political Theory and Geography at the University of Warwick and author of the Progressive Geographies blog, charts Foucault’s formative intellectual years leading up to the publication of the ground-breaking The History of Madness. The book uses a range of new archival material, much of which has been only recently accessible, to show the influence of teachers, mentors, and colleagues, as well as Foucault’s practice as an academic and writer during the 1950s and early 1960s. Telling the story of the possible intellectual trajectories, in psychology and philosophy, Foucault might have followed, along with a clear examination of the roots of his later work, the book is essential reading across the humanities and social sciences.Dave O'Brien is Chancellor's Fellow, Cultural and Creative Industries, at the University of Edinburgh's College of Art. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

I. Augustus Durham, an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Toronto, discusses his book 'Stay Black and Die: On Melancholy and Genius.' He explores the intertwined themes of melancholy and genius within Black culture, analyzing figures like Frederick Douglass, Ralph Ellison, and Marvin Gaye. Durham highlights the powerful role of the Black maternal figure in shaping cultural legacies. He also examines the intersection of psychoanalysis and blues music, addressing the objectification of women in Black aesthetics and the broader implications for identity and creativity.

Camille Robcis, a historian from Columbia University, delves into her book 'Disalienation,' which examines radical psychiatry in postwar France. She discusses the evolution of institutional psychotherapy, highlighting influential figures like Frantz Fanon and Michel Foucault. Robcis explores how historical contexts, from WWII to capitalism, shaped mental health practices. The conversation also connects psychoanalysis with political movements, reflecting on contemporary social dynamics and the impact of unconscious influences on activism, notably in today's climate against neoliberalism.