New Books in Critical Theory

Marshall Poe

Episodes

Mentioned books

undefined
Nov 19, 2025 • 43min

Yehudah Halper, "Averroes on Pathways to Divine Knowledge" (Academic Studies Press, 2025)

Yehudah Halper, a Professor of Jewish Philosophy at Bar Ilan University, discusses his new book on the 12th-century philosopher Averroes. He delves into Averroes' unique methods for understanding divine knowledge, emphasizing dialectical reasoning over demonstrative certainty. Halper examines the political motivations behind Averroes' writings and his impact on later Jewish thought. The conversation also touches on Averroes’ diverse commentaries, his role as a bridge for Aristotle’s ideas, and the continuous relevance of his philosophical inquiries.
undefined
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 6min

On Democracy and Bullshit with Hélène Landemore

In this engaging discussion, Hélène Landemore, a Yale political science professor and author of "Open Democracy," explores the complex relationship between democracy and the pervasive nature of bullshit. She critiques current democratic systems and highlights how they often benefit elites over ordinary citizens. Landemore proposes innovative solutions like sortition and citizen assemblies, drawing inspiration from Iceland's constitutional experiment. She also discusses the challenges posed by globalization and AI, all while advocating for greater democratic openness and citizen empowerment.
undefined
8 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 46min

Jemma Deer, "Radical Animism: Reading for the End of the World" (Bloomsbury, 2020)

Jemma Deer is a researcher in residence at the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society and author of *Radical Animism: Reading for the End of the World*. In this discussion, she explores the intersections of animism and the Anthropocene, advocating for a shift away from human-centered thought. Deer highlights how literature, from Shakespeare to Virginia Woolf, gains new significance in the context of climate change. She presents reading as a way to challenge human superiority and emphasizes the importance of non-human perspectives. Her future work delves into concepts of extinction and fungal interconnections.
undefined
8 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 2min

Rizvana Bradley, "Anteaesthetics: Black Aesthesis and the Critique of Form" (Stanford UP, 2023)

Rizvana Bradley, an Associate Professor at UC Berkeley and author of Anti-Aesthetics, delves into the complexities of Black art and aesthetics. She argues that blackness is foundational yet unrepresentable within modern aesthetics, examining how artists like Glenn Ligon and Mickalene Thomas challenge aesthetic norms. Bradley critiques the notion of reparative readings of Black art and introduces the concept of Black esthesis, emphasizing its philosophical implications. Her work reveals how Black art engages deeply with the politics of form, inviting listeners to rethink conventional aesthetics.
undefined
10 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 32min

Sophie Bishop, "Influencer Creep: How Optimization, Authenticity, and Self-Branding Transform Creative Culture" (U California Press, 2025)

In this intriguing discussion, Sophie Bishop, an Associate Professor at the University of Leeds, unpacks how influencers are reshaping the arts. She delves into 'influencer creep,' where artists adopt marketing techniques to thrive online. Highlighting unreliable platforms, she reveals the emotional labor behind authenticity and the pressures of commercial intermediaries. Sophie also explores how AI and TikTok amplify these dynamics, posing new visibility challenges for artists. A rich conversation about the intersection of creativity and social media!
undefined
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 17min

Lars Cornelissen, "Neoliberalism and Race" (Stanford UP, 2025)

Lars Cornelissen, a historian of neoliberalism and author of the forthcoming book, explores the deep-seated connection between race and neoliberal ideology. He examines how racial constructs, both explicit and subtle, have shaped neoliberal thought since the interwar period. Cornelissen critiques influential thinkers like Mises and Hayek, revealing their racial beliefs and the 'lazy native' myth in development theory. He underscores the implications of these ideas for neoliberal policies and advocates for a critical, anti-racist approach to understanding this ideological framework.
undefined
24 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 7min

Dag Nikolaus Hasse, "What Is European? On Overcoming Colonial and Romantic Modes of Thought" (Amsterdam UP, 2025)

Dag Nikolaus Hasse, a philosophy professor at the University of Würzburg, challenges traditional European narratives in his new book. He critiques colonial and Romantic modes of thought that distort Europe's essence, advocating for a more inclusive view that recognizes the continent's diverse cultural heritage. Hasse emphasizes the need to rethink emotional attachments to Europe and highlights the significance of medieval cities like Cordoba and Constantinople as cultural hubs. He argues for a decolonized Europe that respects various philosophical traditions, moving beyond elitist definitions.
undefined
13 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 40min

Joseph Stiglitz, "The Origins of Inequality" (Oxford UP, 2025)

Joseph E. Stiglitz, a Nobel laureate and Columbia University professor, engages in a deep discussion about the roots of inequality, shaped by his six-decade focus on the issue. He explains how inequality is not inevitable but a political choice influenced by laws and institutions. Stiglitz highlights the role of monopoly power in wealth concentration and critiques macroeconomic policy failures exacerbating disadvantage. He advocates for policies like inheritance taxes and better public investment in education to foster equality and economic growth.
undefined
Nov 7, 2025 • 60min

Mattin, "Social Dissonance" (MIT Press, 2022)

Exploring the complexity of self-image, a compelling discussion unfolds around how political and linguistic forces shape our identities. Mattin examines social dissonance as a reflection of inequality, emphasizing the role of art and noise in facilitating audience participation. He critiques the limitations of traditional noise aesthetics while advocating for aesthetic estrangement to reveal structural issues. The conversation dives into alienation and opportunities for collective action, aiming to inspire hopeful community-building amidst contemporary challenges.
undefined
Nov 4, 2025 • 41min

James Scorer, "Latin American Comics in the Twenty-First Century: Transgressing the Frame" (U Texas Press, 2024)

James Scorer, a Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of Manchester, explores the vibrant world of Latin American comics and their cultural significance. He discusses the rise of a unique comics scene post-2005, highlighting how digital networks have fostered transnational connections. Scorer also emphasizes comics' role in social and political discourse, including themes of extractivism and memory. Plus, he shares insights on zines, the impact of the pandemic on creativity, and his upcoming projects on race and environmental art.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
 Get the app