
New Discourses
Pursuing the light of objective truth in subjective darkness.
Latest episodes

10 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 15min
Why Communism Is So Deadly
Dive into the chilling world of communism, where rigid ideology leads to catastrophic outcomes. The belief that communism can never fail results in scapegoating and violent purges when things go wrong. Historical events like China's Great Leap Forward reveal the devastating consequences of this mindset. The podcast critiques how totalitarianism dehumanizes dissenters, creating a culture of blame that fuels oppression and fear. It's a sobering look at the deadly implications of unwavering ideological beliefs.

Dec 21, 2024 • 1h 3min
Panel: Why We Need New Discourses | Boghossian, Doyle, Lindsay, Nayna, O'Fallon, Pluckrose
A lively panel tackled the looming influence of social justice ideology in education and public discourse. They critiqued how rigid frameworks stifle open conversation and challenge diverse viewpoints. The discussion highlighted the alarming parallels between modern journalism and Orwellian themes of censorship. The importance of empathy in bridging ideological divides was emphasized, alongside the necessity for genuine discourse. Ultimately, the conversation championed a return to classical liberalism, calling for respectful engagement and evidence-based dialogue.

Dec 18, 2024 • 13min
The Real Purpose of Safe Spaces
Explore the ideological underpinnings of safe spaces in education, particularly in the context of political polarization. Discover how these spaces not only aim to comfort students but may actually indoctrinate them into a worldview that perceives opposition as trauma. Delve into the darker implications of emotional support tactics used in classrooms, which resemble methods of manipulation seen in cults. This thought-provoking discussion sheds light on the pedagogical strategies behind the phenomenon of safe spaces.

Dec 16, 2024 • 31min
Doing Social Justice Responsibly | Helen Pluckrose
Helen Pluckrose, an academic and writer recognized for her critiques of social justice activism, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of social justice discourse. She argues that today's critical theory often distorts genuine concerns into dogma, eschewing objective truth for identity-based agendas. Pluckrose emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that allows for open dialogue while addressing bias and power dynamics. Her thoughtful perspective encourages collaboration across polarized viewpoints, promoting fairness without compromising reason.

Dec 8, 2024 • 1h 21min
The Hoax that Broke the Conservative Internet
A provocative hoax shakes the conservative internet, revealing unexpected defenses of Marxism among conservatives. The host compares text from the Communist Manifesto to see how effectively it was altered. This sparks discussions about ideological shifts within the 'woke right' movement and critiques the absurdities of past academic hoaxes. The conversation delves into how splinter movements threaten political unity and the evolving landscape of conservatism and liberalism in America, questioning the coherence of these ideologies amid current cultural conflicts.

39 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 2h 19min
Communism 3.0: Corporate Communism | James Lindsay
The podcast dives into the evolution of Communism, particularly its new iteration, 'Corporate Communism.' It highlights how this model merges corporate power with state control, impacting individual liberties. Discussions unveil the critiques of sustainable capitalism and educational hierarchies. Listeners will discover the ethical implications of societal emissions and the manipulation of underdeveloped regions. The intersection of ideology and identity politics, as well as the influence of historical Marxist themes, showcases an ongoing struggle for equity in contemporary society.

8 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 47min
The Thing You Run Into When Your Beliefs Are False | James Lindsay
James Lindsay delivers a thought-provoking critique of critical theory and its impact on social justice. He argues that this perspective dismisses objective truth in favor of shifting political agendas. Using the Challenger disaster as a poignant example, he stresses the need for evidence-based inquiry and grounded beliefs. Lindsay also discusses the troubling shift in education, particularly in mathematics, advocating for a balance between social issues and objective truths. Ultimately, he champions liberal values and the scientific method as essential to progress.

5 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 1h 20min
Is the "Woke Right" Really Woke? | OnlySubs with James Lindsay, Ep. 142
The discussion investigates the controversial emergence of the 'Woke Right,' merging ultra-conservative beliefs with leftist tactics. It critiques this faction's performative conservatism and conspiratorial mindset. The podcast also explores the ideological tapestry of Protestantism and its influence on the new Christian right. A significant focus is on the historical context driving these changes and how contemporary identity politics and critical race theory challenge traditional conservative values, leading to complex power dynamics.

Nov 17, 2024 • 2h 14min
Communism 2.5: Social Communism | James Lindsay
Delve into the evolution of Communism as it morphs from Eastern failures to Western critiques. Discover how cultural and critical Marxism influence modern identity politics and grassroots activism. Explore the intricate ties between feminism, postmodernism, and the rise of woke ideologies. Analyze the implications of soft totalitarianism from Fabianism alongside Orwellian reflections. Unpack the philosophical roots of self-criticism and collective identity, emphasizing the need for a critical awareness in societal transformation.

12 snips
Nov 14, 2024 • 54min
Panel: Grievance Studies | Boghossian, Lindsay, Nayna, O'Fallon, Pluckrose
Join Peter Boghossian, a philosopher known for his critiques of social justice ideologies, along with Helen Pluckrose, an academic writer, and Mike Nayna, a documentary filmmaker, as they unpick the Grievance Studies project. They discuss how absurd academic papers, like the infamous "dog park" submission, expose the decline of scholarly rigor under ideological influences. The panel scrutinizes the dangers of prioritizing ideology over truth, and highlights the unsettling shift in social justice activism, revealing the complexities behind the movement's evolution.
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