Lost in Ideology with Prof. Jason Blakely - Not Overthinking 🎙️
Not Overthinking
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Ideology: A Battle of Definitions
The concept of ideology has historically polarized opinions, particularly between its original definition as a science of ideas, introduced by French thinker Destutt de Tracy, and its later Marxist interpretation as false consciousness that justifies power structures. The original notion emphasizes a rational and scientific approach to ideas, while Marx's version frames ideology as a tool for ruling classes to perpetuate distorted beliefs. This divergence in understanding leads to common political discourse where opponents are labeled as purely ideological, suggesting that their beliefs lack rationality. Both definitions, despite their differences, limit the broader understanding and application of ideology in contemporary debates.
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