
Theory & Philosophy
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
Latest episodes

Feb 15, 2025 • 43min
Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman's "Manufacturing Consent" (Part 2 of 3)
Deep dives into media biases reveal how marginalized voices often go unheard. The discussion contrasts the coverage of anti-communist figures with the neglect of Latin American leaders. Historical motivations for iconic events like JFK's assassination are scrutinized through Cold War ideologies. Misinformation and echo chambers are examined, showcasing the media's impact on political narratives. Lastly, the use of atrocity propaganda to justify military actions is critiqued, highlighting the emotional manipulation of public opinion in the face of real-world consequences.

16 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 50min
Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman's "Manufacturing Consent" (Part 1 of 3)
The discussion dives into Chomsky and Herman's propaganda model, revealing how mass media aligns with American interests. It scrutinizes media commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and exposes biases shaping public perception. The impact of mainstream publications on political narratives is examined, highlighting systemic biases and the marginalization of dissenting voices. Media ownership's role in sensationalism and the skewed representation of landlord-tenant dynamics in Canada also come into focus, showcasing the complexities of media influence in shaping political realities.

Jan 18, 2025 • 1h 12min
Rosemary Salomone's "The Rise of English" (Part 2 of 2)
In this episode, I cover the second half of Rosemary Salomone's "The Rise of English"
Please consider donating to one of the following organizations:
Palestinian Children's Relief Fund: https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/general
United Nations Relief and Works Agency: https://donate.unrwa.org/gaza/~my-donation
Middle East Children's Alliance: https://secure.everyaction.com/1_w5egiGB0u0BAfbJMsEfw2
Twitter: @DavidGuignion IG: @theory_and_philosophy

Jan 4, 2025 • 59min
Rosemary Salomone's "The Rise of English" (Part 1 of 2)
In this episode, I cover the first half of Rosemary Salomone's "The Rise of English."
Please consider donating to one of the following organizations:
Palestinian Children's Relief Fund: https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/general
United Nations Relief and Works Agency: https://donate.unrwa.org/gaza/~my-donation
Middle East Children's Alliance: https://secure.everyaction.com/1_w5egiGB0u0BAfbJMsEfw2
Twitter: @DavidGuignion IG: @theory_and_philosophy

Dec 14, 2024 • 48min
Wendy Chun's "Software and Memory" (Part 2 of 2)
Explore the intriguing relationship between software and memory, as insights from Wendy Chun illuminate the complexities of digital freedom. Discover how user interfaces create an illusion of limitless possibilities while imposing restrictions. Delve into the challenges of AI in education, advocating for methods that celebrate human creativity. Uncover the philosophical debates around empowerment versus limitation in the digital sphere, and critically examine how technologies shape our collective memory and perceptions within a capitalist landscape.

4 snips
Nov 30, 2024 • 60min
Wendy Chun's "Software and Memory" (Part 1 of 2)
Explore the fascinating distinctions between software and hardware, highlighting the fleeting essence of software. Dive into how capitalism shapes our digital experiences and identities, challenging the idea of personal agency in a tech-centric world. Unpack the duality of technology as both a means of empowerment and manipulation, revealing its effects on personal identity. Engage in a lively debate over writing’s impact on understanding, while examining the historical gender dynamics in technology and the societal biases reflected in modern digital contexts.

Nov 16, 2024 • 29min
Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí's "The Invention of Women" (Part 2 of 2)
Exploring the impact of European colonialism on Yoruba history, the discussion highlights how storytelling transformed from oral traditions to rigid written narratives. It critiques cultural misinterpretations of gender roles and the biases in Western portrayals of female authority. The conversation delves into colonial roots of patriarchal structures, revealing the detrimental effects on matriarchal systems. Additionally, it examines how colonization scrutinized polygamy and reshaped gender relations, emphasizing the importance of cultural context in understanding these dynamics.

Nov 2, 2024 • 40min
Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí's "The Invention of Women" (Part 1 of 2)
Dive into the thought-provoking concepts of gender construction with Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí's ideas that challenge Western views. Discover how Yoruba perspectives redefine gender, focusing on social hierarchies rather than biological determinism. Explore the vibrant roles women play in Yoruba trade practices, highlighting a richer understanding of gender dynamics. The conversation intrigues with critiques on traditional feminist approaches, urging a broader appreciation of cultural diversity in gender identities.

Oct 29, 2024 • 13min
Compulsory Heterosexuality | Adrienne Rich | Keyword
Dive into the intriguing concept of compulsory heterosexuality and its deep impact on societal norms. Explore how Adrienne Rich's ideas reflect on the feminist movements of the 60s and 70s, challenging traditional views on intimacy and gender dynamics. Discover the ways patriarchal expectations shape personal relationships and the importance of broadening our understanding of sexual orientation beyond conventional frameworks.

Oct 22, 2024 • 11min
Primitive Accumulation | Karl Marx | Keyword
Dive into the violent origins of capitalism through Karl Marx's lens of primitive accumulation. Discover how Marx challenges traditional views, framing capitalism's rise as rooted in dispossession rather than prosperity. The discussion also tackles the absurdity of monetary indebtedness, revealing how it forces individuals into relentless labor to validate their existence. Uncover the stark contrast between human needs and the profit-driven motives of capitalism, shedding light on its societal and environmental repercussions.