Theory & Philosophy
David Guignion
Welcome! My name’s David Guignion and I distill complicated philosophical and theoretical ideas for wide audiences. While ideas are important to help us understand the world, it is even more important to put ideas into action. Some of this channel’s key theoretical and pragmatic influences include, but are not limited to, Marxism, Decolonialization, Feminism, Gender and Queer theory, and Critical Race Theory.
This channel’s content is recorded on the in Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal, the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka, comprised of
the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theoryandphilosophy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIq2xNjGAof0cCUaKbco6HQ
This channel’s content is recorded on the in Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal, the traditional territory of the Kanien’kehà:ka, comprised of
the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theoryandphilosophy
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIq2xNjGAof0cCUaKbco6HQ
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 25, 2026 • 50min
Paulo Freire's "Pedagogy of the Oppressed"
A lively tour of Freire’s ideas about conscientization and why oppressed people fear critical consciousness. Discussion of capitalism’s role in creating dependency and dehumanization. Exploration of rejecting rigid politics in favor of iterative praxis and cultural transformation. A look at problem-posing education, dialogue as action, and stages of consciousness-raising.
Jun 20, 2026 • 1h 18min
J. G. Fichte's "The Science of Knowledge" (Part 2 of 2)
A dive into Fichte's account of how consciousness and the world mutually shape each other. Short logical moves—identity, opposition, ground—get unpacked into reciprocal determination. The discussion ranges from negation and self-observation to sensation as a third link. Moral and practical implications surface through the absolute ego, freedom, yearning, and how humans order experienced reality.
22 snips
May 30, 2026 • 48min
J.G. Fichte's "The Science of Knowledge" (Part 1 of 2)
A guided tour through Fichte’s attempt to found knowledge on a first principle. The relation between ego and non-ego gets center stage. Themes include self-positing consciousness, negation and reciprocity, and the idea of an absolute ground unifying opposites. Connections to Kantian and Hegelian moves are sketched.
Nov 1, 2025 • 1h 19min
Eunsong Kim's "The Politics of Collecting" (Interview)
*Note: The Getty was meant to collect pre-20th century Western European art, not just 19th century Western European art, as per Paul Getty's will*
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Eunsong Kim, Associate Professor of English at Northeastern, to discuss her new book, "The Politics of Collecting: Race and the Aestheticization of Property."
You can purchase it from the publisher here who's currently holding a sale (not a sponsorship): https://read.dukeupress.edu/books/book/3382/The-Politics-of-CollectingRace-and-the
You can access Offshoot Journal with this link: https://offshootjournal.org/
5 snips
Oct 18, 2025 • 1h 10min
Patricia Hill Collins' "Black Feminist Thought" (Part 2 of 2)
Delve into the powerful insights of Patricia Hill Collins as black women confront colonial stereotypes with unique self-definitions. Explore their perspectives formed through domestic labor and safe spaces, fostering cultural resistance. Discover the intersection of race and gender in the Anita Hill case and the implications of sexual politics on black women. Reflect on activism as a form of everyday survival and the necessity for transnational solidarity. This discussion shines a light on black feminist epistemology and the marginalization of women's voices in academia.
15 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
Patricia Hill Collins' "Black Feminist Thought" (Part 1 of 2)
Dive into the powerful insights of Black feminist thought, where the systematic erasure of Black women from history is brought to light. The discussion explores how economic and ideological oppressions uniquely impact this community. From challenging stereotypes to advocating for the inclusion of Black women's perspectives in academia, each topic unveils layers of complexity. Uncover the everyday knowledge transmitted through culture, and see how societal structures influence identity and oppression. This conversation is a crucial look at intersectionality and resilience.
7 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 14min
Hegel vs. Kant
Delve into the philosophical clash between Hegel and Kant. Explore Hegel's critiques of Kant's systematic approach to selfhood. Discover how Hegel values difference and otherness, presenting conflict as a catalyst for personal growth. Unpack their interpretations of reality, contrasting Kant's inaccessible noumena with Hegel's emphasis on relational existence. This discussion illuminates the evolving understanding of experience and understanding in the world.
Aug 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
Immanuel Kant's "Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science"
Dive into Immanuel Kant's unique take on nature and science. Explore his ideas on space and time that challenge traditional views. Discover the complexities of applying universal laws in natural sciences, particularly in chemistry. Unpack Kant's foundational principles through key categories like quantity and quality. Finally, engage with philosophical notions of motion and direction, revealing how history shapes our scientific understanding. A fascinating look at how metaphysics intertwines with the natural world!
9 snips
Jul 26, 2025 • 1h 11min
Immanuel Kant's "Prolegomena to any Future Metaphysics"
Dive into Kant's 'Prolegomena' as it lays the groundwork for understanding metaphysics through the lens of German idealism. Explore the intriguing relationship between metaphysical cognition and universal experience, revealing how our innate sense of space and time shapes perception. Unpack the distinction between analytic and synthetic judgments, and discover how sensory experiences intertwine with individual reality. The discussion also touches on the influence of Kant's philosophy on natural sciences and the evolution of metaphysical thought.
13 snips
Jul 12, 2025 • 50min
Cedric Robinson's "Black Marxism" (Part 3 of 3)
The discussion dives deep into the evolution of black radicalism and its complex relationship with Marxist theory. It brings to light the historical neglect of black movements, emphasizing influential thinkers who critique Marxism's limitations. The podcast addresses the challenges of marginalization in philosophical discourse, highlighting the importance of diverse Black identities. Additionally, it explores the intersections of class struggle and racial liberation, focusing on labor history and the impact of colonialism on language and culture. Engaging examples illustrate the ongoing need for inclusive revolutionary narratives.
