PlasticPills Critical Theory & Philosophy

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.

Delve into Derrida's critique of metaphysical thinking, where he argues that metaphors are often hidden in philosophy's discourse. Discover the sun's role as a metaphor for truth and reason, challenging traditional understandings. The dialogue navigates Derrida's connections to Heidegger and critiques the evolution of meaning through metaphors. Explore how language transforms experiences into abstract concepts, revealing the complexities and disconnections in philosophical language.

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 discussion dives into Wilhelm Reich's insights on the mass psychology of fascism, revealing how personal motivations intertwine with historical contexts. It critiques the totalitarian aspects of ideologies, exploring the surprising alignment of the lower middle class with extremist movements. The podcast also examines the complex relationship between sexuality and societal norms post-World War I, alongside the impact of economic crises on moral panics. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the psychological undercurrents driving political behavior and authority in contemporary society.

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.

The conversation dives into the contentious relationship between Trump and higher education, shedding light on his claims of corruption in academia. They dissect the impact of political pressures on university policies and the complexities of diversity and equity initiatives. The dialogue also addresses market shifts influenced by political actions and the absurdities surrounding language restrictions in academia. With a mix of humor and critical analysis, the group examines the ideological struggles that shape contemporary educational discourse.

After a long hiatus, Pills returns to the main show with some new musings over The Last Samurai, Buddhism and the phenomenology of religion. The Kyoto School and Nagarjuna were mentioned in the episode, but we didn't get into much depth this time round. Find everything we make at the feed at https://www.patreon.com/plasticpills