New Books in Critical Theory

Lyndsey Stonebridge, a Professor of English Literature at the University of Birmingham, unpacks Hannah Arendt’s insights on love and disobedience, emphasizing their relevance today. She critically assesses the banality of evil, drawing parallels between historical atrocities and current political climates, such as Gaza. Stonebridge also navigates Arendt's complex views on American imperialism and the responsibility of individuals versus systemic coercion. The discussion probes the fragile ethics of democracy and critiques contemporary literature's portrayal of these enduring themes.

Santiago Zabala, an ICREA Research Professor at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, presents his insightful book about understanding warnings in today's crisis-laden world. He elaborates on how warnings are distinct from predictions, urging listeners to confront present issues like climate change and gender ideologies. Zabala critiques conservative gender perspectives and emphasizes the need for critical engagement with political extremism, technology's moral implications, and the vital role of activism, notably highlighting Greta Thunberg's influence.

David McNally, Cullen Distinguished Professor of History and Business at the University of Houston, dives deep into his groundbreaking work on slavery and capitalism. He argues that slavery was intrinsically linked to capitalist production, presenting enslaved labor as a form of collective resistance. McNally critiques traditional views of individual freedom, advocating for a communal understanding. He also introduces the concept of the 'chattel proletariat,' urging a reevaluation of labor history to highlight the agency of enslaved workers.

Maddalena Cerrato, an Assistant Professor of Critical Theory, delves into Michel Foucault's practical philosophy and its fresh take on freedom and subjectivation. She discusses how Foucault's critique challenges traditional views of power, emphasizing its productive aspects and individual agency. The conversation also highlights the nuances of Foucault's philosophy in everyday life, self-governance, and the dynamics of identity, advocating for a holistic approach to social transformation that moves beyond individualism.

Cordelia Fine, a Canadian-born British philosopher and professor at the University of Melbourne, shares incisive insights from her latest book on gender equality. She critiques existing narratives about workplace gender roles, highlighting the cultural factors that shape these dynamics. Fine challenges the adequacy of evolutionary psychology in understanding gender and discusses how sexual harassment enforces traditional hierarchies. She advocates for a nuanced approach to gender equality and explores the intersectionality of gender, race, and class in workplace inequalities.

David Edmonds, a bestselling author and Distinguished Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, discusses the ethics of altruism through the provocative drowning child thought experiment by Peter Singer. He probes the moral dilemmas of acting against personal loss versus saving a life. The conversation covers how this analogy sparked the Effective Altruism movement and critiques the role of wealthy philanthropists in democracy. Edmonds also examines the complex relationship between poverty and increasing inequality, challenging listeners to reassess their moral obligations.

Yosha Wijngaarden, a media and creative industries scholar, and Pauwke Berkers, a sociology professor specializing in popular music, delve into the complex world of social awkwardness. They discuss how awkwardness in interactions is shaped by social contexts rather than personal traits. The duo reflects on navigating these dynamics in a post-pandemic landscape, emphasizing insights from their empirical research. Listeners will find relatable anecdotes and a fresh perspective on managing discomfort in everyday social scenarios.

Patrice D. Douglass, assistant professor at UC Berkeley, dives into the intertwined nature of sexual violence and racial slavery in her groundbreaking work. She argues that these historical traumas shape contemporary Black identity in ways often overlooked. Douglass challenges conventional feminist theories, emphasizing the necessity of revising narratives around Blackness. The discussion spans from the complexities of Black feminist historiography to the enduring legacies of slavery, urging listeners to confront difficult truths about memory, identity, and the ongoing impact of historical violence.

Ian Scoones, a Professorial Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, shares insights from his upcoming book on navigating uncertainty in today’s world. He challenges traditional risk management, advocating for flexibility and community-centric approaches in development. The conversation highlights the necessity of diverse knowledge systems, critiques conventional economic models, and examines the role of reliability professionals in managing crises. Scoones emphasizes grassroots climate action and the power of local voices in shaping effective responses to environmental challenges.

Aaron Hammes, an independent scholar and sex workers' rights organizer with a PhD from CUNY, discusses his groundbreaking book, TransGenre. He explores how contemporary transgender literature challenges and reshapes genre conventions, particularly through road novels and chosen family narratives. Hammes delves into the political implications of minor literature and critiques traditional family structures in favor of chosen connections. By analyzing works like 'Nevada,' he reveals how these narratives redefine identity and societal perceptions, enriching our understanding of trans experiences.