PlasticPills - Philosophy & Critical Theory Podcast

Dive into the world of Lacanian psychoanalysis and its relevance to contemporary political beliefs. Explore the intricate relationship between language and intention, using current events as a backdrop. Discover how Freudian slips reveal deeper motivations in discourse. The discussion unravels the distinction between conscious ego and the unconscious 'other,' showcasing how our speech can betray our true selves. It’s a captivating blend of philosophy, psychology, and critical analysis that resonates profoundly in today’s society.

The conversation delves into Peter Thiel's alarming views on technology stagnation and apocalyptic themes, critiquing the cultural impact of figures like Charles Manson. It navigates ideological clashes in Europe, from environmentalism to transhumanism, while questioning the intersections of religion and capitalism. The hosts explore the tensions between Calvinism and free will, emphasizing moral responsibility. They also examine how neoliberalism distorts Christianity and uncover the complex relationship between wealth, power, and societal control.

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on public media portrayals of high-profile cases like Epstein and geopolitical conflicts such as Gaza. Explore Agamben's compelling ideas on sovereignty, bare life, and states of exception. The conversation satirizes the absurdities within political narratives while scrutinizing the evolving dynamics of the right wing. Delve into ethics in governance, biopolitics, and the balance of power, challenging listeners to reconsider the complexities of modern political structures.

1Dime Tony, a political theorist known for his unique insights on contemporary issues, joins the discussion to explore the notion of the 'woke right.' He dissects how the term 'woke' has evolved from its origins in Black activism to a broad political label, often misused by right-wing commentators. The conversation digs into the shifting paradigms from class to culture in American politics, and the internal conflicts within both left and right factions, revealing the complexities of identity politics and the challenges of language in today's discourse.

According to Derrida, metaphysicians have spent 2000 years conceptually boxing-in metaphor because they don't want to admit their dependence on figurative language. This has allowed them to trick themselves into believing that fiction and non-fiction are fundamentally different; that one can be true and the other cannot. In White Mythology, Derrida discovers the metaphors buried in philosophy from Plato to Hegel, even as they try to hide them.We spent three weeks reading this text, you can find the episodes at https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills

We go deeper into Maurice Merleau-Ponty's insights in The Visible and The Invisible, e.g. The Flesh of the World, the Chiasm, and the Intertwining and what these mean for a meditative experience on the daily. Get the full episode and tons of others at https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills

This week we looked into OG critic of fascism Wilhelm Reich, who wrote The Mass Psychology of Fascism right after the Nazis were elected in 1933. Reich was among the first "neomarxists", and believed that Marxists need to understand psychoanalysis to understand Fascism.Link to textFind our full episodes on philosophy and theory at https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills

We compare Maurice Merleau-Ponty's insights in an unfinished work he wrote before his death to the meditations of Buddhist philosopher Nagarjuna 18 centuries prior.This episode and all the rest can be found at https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills

The podcast dives into the New York Times' claims about scholars fleeing Trump, revealing they’re actually settled in Canada for work. It humorously critiques the so-called 'fascism experts' and questions their legitimacy while dissecting the oversimplified notion that fascism and communism are interchangeable. The hosts challenge political narratives shaped by media sensationalism, urging deeper understanding of historical contexts. They also reflect on the complexities of American politics, raising alarm about rising reactionary ideologies and the need for political engagement.

Dive into the world of Canadian politics as a new Prime Minister emerges, backed by his thought-provoking book. Explore the theatricality of political rituals in Canada versus the U.S., and uncover the complex dance between neoliberalism and corporate responsibility. Engage with the critical debate on carbon taxes and the implications of a finance-savvy leader in a populist era. Finally, dissect reactions from the far-right to the new Pope, bringing humor to an evolving political landscape.