New Books in Critical Theory

Barnor Hesse, a Professor at Northwestern University and author of "Raceocracy," dives deep into the provocative themes of Afropessimism. He explores its complexities and criticisms within the Black community, shedding light on its impact on movements like Black Lives Matter. The conversation navigates the intricate dynamics of anti-Black violence, the contradictions in humanistic legal frameworks, and the resilient nature of Black culture. Hesse also challenges traditional narratives, urging a reevaluation of race, identity, and the political discourse surrounding them.

Frederick Crews, Emeritus professor of English at UC Berkeley, passionately critiques Sigmund Freud's legacy, arguing that Freud was a manipulative figure whose theories veer towards pseudoscience. He shares insights from Freud's letters to Martha Bernays, painting a complex portrait of a man driven by greed and ambition. The discussion delves into the clash between Freudian psychoanalysis and contemporary neuroscience, questioning the empirical validity of Freud's ideas while exploring the evolution of literary criticism influenced by his theories. Crews compellingly challenges established norms in mental health treatment.

Laura Marris, an accomplished essayist and poet, unveils the concept of ecological loneliness as both a cause and reflection of isolation in society. She highlights how our disconnection from nature not only impacts personal relationships but also the environment. The conversation reframes loneliness as a pathway to hope, illuminating its potential for introspection and societal insight. Marris encourages listeners to reconnect with their surroundings, suggesting that understanding our isolation may spark meaningful transformation.

Join Harvey J. Kaye, Professor of Democracy and Justice Studies and author of "The British Marxist Historians," as he dives into the pivotal contributions of British Marxist thinkers. He discusses how figures like Maurice Dobb and E.P. Thompson reshaped our understanding of class struggle and history. Kaye reflects on his own academic journey, the impact of technology during the pandemic, and the importance of class consciousness in shaping narratives. His insights connect the past to contemporary political activism, emphasizing the resilience of the working class.

In this engaging discussion, Emily Herring, a Paris-based writer and expert on Henri Bergson, sheds light on the influential philosopher's legacy. She explores Bergson's groundbreaking ideas on consciousness and creativity, emphasizing their relevance in today's rapidly changing world. The conversation delves into his famous debates with great minds like Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein, revealing the philosophical tensions of the time. Herring also addresses Bergson's complex relationship with his Jewish heritage and his unexpected political activism during World War I.

Who is Jacques Derrida? For some, he is the originator of a relativist philosophy responsible for the contemporary crisis of truth. For the far right, he is one of the architects of Cultural Marxism. To his academic critics, he reduced French philosophy to “little more than an object of ridicule.” For his fans, he is an intellectual rock star who ranged across literature, politics, and linguistics. In An Event, Perhaps (Verso, 2020), Peter Salmon presents this misunderstood and misappropriated figure as a deeply humane and urgent thinker for our times.Born in Algiers, the young Jackie was always an outsider. Despite his best efforts, he found it difficult to establish himself among the Paris intellectual milieu of the 1960s. However, in 1967, he changed the whole course of philosophy: outlining the central concepts of deconstruction. Immediately, his reputation as a complex and confounding thinker was established. Feted by some, abhorred by others, Derrida had an exhaustive breadth of interests but, as Salmon shows, was moved by a profound desire to understand how we engage with each other. It is a theme explored through Derrida’s intimate relationships with writers such even as Althusser, Genet, Lacan, Foucault, Cixous, and Kristeva. Accessible, provocative and beautifully written, An Event, Perhaps will introduce a new readership to the life and work of a philosopher whose influence over the way we think will continue long into the twenty-first century.Peter Salmon is an Australian writer living in the UK. His first novel, The Coffee Story, was a New Statesman Book of the Year. He has written for the Guardian, the New Humanist, the Sydney Review of Books and Tablet, as well as Australian TV and radio. Formerly Centre Director of the Jon Osborne/The Hurst Arvon Centre, he also teaches creative writing.Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel. Twitter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Ben Highmore, the author of "Playgrounds: The Experimental Years," explores how post-WWII playgrounds evolved from conventional designs to imaginative spaces. He discusses the transformation of bomb sites into creative play areas, emphasizing children's autonomy and the revolutionary 'junk playground' movement from Denmark. Highmore highlights the importance of adventure playgrounds in combating juvenile delinquency and advocates for inclusivity, ensuring these spaces accommodate all children, including those with disabilities. He also shares insights on balancing risk with creativity in future playground designs.

Rebecca Ball, a history lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University and author of "A Hundred English Working-Class Lives, 1900-1945," dives into the intricacies of working-class life during a tumultuous era. She explores how personal narratives reveal the impact of the two world wars on everyday experiences. The conversation touches on education inequalities, the emotional struggles of youth, and the interplay of gender roles in the workforce. Ball's insights showcase how microhistory brings individual stories to life while uncovering broader social themes.

Peter Singer, a bioethics professor at Princeton and renowned author, dives into the hidden realities of turkey farming. He critiques the ethics of turkey consumption, especially during Thanksgiving, urging a rethinking of our traditional feasts. Singer humorously critiques the presidential turkey pardon as a mere spectacle while advocating for vegetarian alternatives that respect animal welfare. Listeners are introduced to Cornelius, a charming turkey, and are encouraged to explore ethical eating with delicious and sustainable recipes.

Larry S. Temkin, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers and author of influential works on equality, dives into the challenging landscape of global aid. He critiques common philanthropic practices and the implications of ineffective altruism. Temkin explores how international aid can unintentionally.