The Epoch Philosophy Podcast

Happiness remains a profound enigma, even when we try to define it technically. Its elusive nature makes it feel incomplete and unattainable. Explore why 'happiness' deserves deeper examination and how it fits into the context of postmodern, late capitalism. 0:00: Introduction1:17: Ideological Nature(s) of Happiness3:49: Hegel's Alienation7:18: Postmodernism and Confusion12:02: Mark Fisher's 'Last Man'15:02: Breakdown of Cause and Effect16:59: Happiness as a Problem23:08: A Message #happiness #postmoderncapitalism #Hegel #alienation #MarkFisher #ideology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the profound insights of Jean Baudrillard, a key figure in 20th-century philosophy. Known for his influential work, Simulacra and Simulation, Baudrillard's intellectual journey began with The System of Objects. This pivotal book examines the rise of sign-value and the impact of early serial commodities. By integrating structural and material analysis with semiotics and social psychoanalysis, Baudrillard provides a fresh perspective on 20th-century capitalism. The System of Objects, evolving from his Ph.D. thesis, remains a significant yet understated contribution to philosophical thought. 0:00: Introduction2:53: Ideological Home & Interior Design5:00: Functionalism to the Symbolic7:49: Antiques & Collections10:38: Serial Motivation and a Lack16:02: New Language, Advertising and Credit20:20: A Message #JeanBaudrillard #TheSystemofObjects #SimulacraandSimulation #sign-value #20th-centurycapitalism #semiotics #socialpsychoanalysis #philosophy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into Friedrich Engels' pivotal work 'Socialism: Utopian and Scientific,' which aims to provide clarity on Marxism and socialism. Engels, co-author of influential texts like 'The Communist Manifesto' and 'The German Ideology,' played a critical role in the development of Marxism. This episode unpacks the complexities of Marxist analysis and the socialist systems that emerged from it, helping listeners better understand these philosophies. 0:00: Introductory remarks2:11: Exploration of Utopian Socialism8:39: Discussion on Dialectics16:30: Delving into Historical Materialism22:47: Closing message #FriedrichEngels #Socialism #Marxism #UtopianSocialism #Dialectics #HistoricalMaterialism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we dive into the enduring significance of The Communist Manifesto, a cornerstone political document. Despite its historical context, the manifesto remains relevant, particularly in Western societies, and offers unexpected insights. We explore how industrial capitalism still resonates globally, especially in the global south, and discuss whether the manifesto's principles can be applied today. #SlavojŽižek #TheCommunistManifesto #politicalmanifesto #industrialcapitalism #globalsouth #Westernsocieties #revolutionarytheory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the profound influence of Friedrich Nietzsche, whose philosophical ideas have shaped much of modern thought. Delve into 'The Birth of Tragedy,' Nietzsche's first major work, which sets the stage for his later masterpieces like 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra' and 'Beyond Good and Evil.' Understand the critical themes of aesthetics, artistic energies, and the duality of Dionysian and Apollonian forms. 0:00: Introduction1:23: Importance of Aesthetics3:26: Artistic Energies5:45: Dionysian and Apollonian Forms7:52: Of Tragedy11:15: A Message #FriedrichNietzsche #TheBirthofTragedy #NietzscheanPhilosophy #Aesthetics #Dionysian #Apollonian #Tragedy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the profound insights of Mark Fisher's influential book, 'Capitalist Realism.' Dive into how pop culture is intertwined with capitalism, examining its transformation into a psychological force. Learn how post-Fordism and individual spontaneity redefine workplace dynamics. We ponder whether an alternative economic system is viable, exploring the complex relationship between work and play. 0:00: Introduction3:03: Capital as Psychology5:52: New Nihilism and Loss of Time8:42: Capitalist Consumption of Critique10:51: Post-Fordism15:02: Realism18:04: Capitalism As a Real20:49: Mental Health and Business Ontology22:54: Capitalism as Public Relations24:37: Can We Escape Capitalism?26:56: A Message #MarkFisher #CapitalistRealism #capitalism #popculture #post-Fordism #economicreality #psychology #businessontology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martin Luther King Jr. stands as a monumental cultural figure in American history, recognized for leading the 1960s Civil Rights movement. While he is widely celebrated for promoting racial equality against Jim Crow laws and institutional racism, the mainstream portrayal of MLK as a unifying symbol is often misleading. Those who deeply study his work realize that this portrayal is somewhat of a facade. This episode delves into how concepts like Baudrillard's Hyperreality and Jameson's Postmodern Capitalism reveal these misconceptions about MLK's legacy. 0:00: Introduction1:32: Discussion on Civil Rights, MLK, and Current Relevance5:03: Exploring Historical Revisions9:51: Insights into Postmodern Capitalism11:50: Understanding Postmodern Conservatism12:51: Concept of Hyperreality17:44: Postmodern Interpretation of MLK19:41: Final Message #MartinLutherKingJr. #CivilRights #JimCrow #Hyperreality #Postmodernism #Baudrillard #Jameson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the foundational ideas of Herbert Marcuse's 'Eros and Civilization,' a pivotal work in Critical Theory. Marcuse challenges the Freudian concept that societal repression is necessary, arguing that Freud's insights should be viewed through a sociological lens to understand modern repression and potential liberation paths. 0:00: Introduction2:03: Overview of Freudian Psychoanalysis6:12: Sociological Construction of Drives8:00: Reality Principle and Civilization15:13: The Subject as Negation17:09: Art as a Form of Liberation22:58: Closing Thoughts and Messages #HerbertMarcuse #ErosandCivilization #CriticalTheory #FreudianPsychoanalysis #sociologicallens #modernrepression #liberation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Slavoj Žižek as he delves into the intersection of spirituality and capitalism. Drawing from Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Žižek provides intriguing insights into the most compatible spirituality with modern capitalism. Discover surprising perspectives and thought-provoking ideas in this engaging lecture. 0:00: Introduction to the episode.1:25: Exploration of spirituality in the context of capitalism.3:39: Discussion on the Buddhist form in capitalism.6:15: Emergence of new self-help ideologies.8:17: Analysis of what capitalism truly is.11:06: Final message and closing thoughts. #SlavojŽižek #spirituality #capitalism #MaxWeber #ProtestantEthic #Buddhism #self-help Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive deep into the philosophical world of Slavoj Žižek, a modern theorist known for his eclectic mix of Hegel, Marx, Althusser, Lacan, and Kant. This episode unpacks Žižek's influential work, 'The Sublime Object of Ideology,' providing essential context and explanation. Discover how this dense theoretical masterpiece explores ideology, psychoanalysis, and more, making it a cornerstone of Žižek's thought. Gain a clearer understanding of his profound ideas and their relevance in contemporary discourse. 00:00:00: Intro00:03:57: The Symptom00:06:36: Symbolic Orders/Structures00:08:37: Sublime Objects and Ideology00:20:07: Cynicism as Ideology00:25:24: Lacanian Interaction00:28:58: Split Subjectivity and the Subject00:34:22: A Message #SlavojŽižek #TheSublimeObjectofIdeology #philosophy #psychoanalysis #Hegel #Marx #Althusser #Lacan #Kant #ideology #theoreticalbackdrop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into Martin Heidegger's profound exploration of technology and its impact on 20th-century post-industrial life. In this episode, we examine the essence and fundamental nature of technology through Heidegger's lens, focusing on key concepts like the 'standing reserve' and the 'poiesis’ of past and present. How does technology shape our modern world and perception? Join us for an in-depth analysis and reflection. 0:00: Introduction2:54: Essence of Technology7:10: Standing Reserve11:20: Poiesis of Past and Present12:20: Modern Implications15:41: Ending Message #MartinHeidegger #technology #20thcentury #post-industriallife #essenceoftechnology #standingreserve #poiesis #modernimplications Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore Martin Heidegger's profound influence on modern philosophy in the first part of our three-part series. Discover how 'Being and Time' reshaped our understanding of thought, existence, and the human condition. Renowned for challenging enlightenment era thinkers and transforming philosophical analysis, Heidegger remains a pivotal figure in contemporary thought. 00:00:00: Introduction00:02:45: Dasein00:06:30: Interaction/Care00:09:41: Human Condition within Time00:16:08: Implications00:17:43: Message/Credits #MartinHeidegger #BeingandTime #philosophy #Dasein #humancondition #existence #ontology #existentialism #modernphilosophy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive deep into Simone de Beauvoir's seminal work, 'The Ethics of Ambiguity,' which laid the foundation for feminist existentialist philosophy. Explore what it means to be human, our anxieties, their sources, and the concept of radical freedom and responsibility. 0:00: Intro1:05: Building on Existentialism5:24: Men Who Are Not Free8:24: de Beauvoir's Prescription #SimonedeBeauvoir #TheEthicsofAmbiguity #feministexistentialism #philosophy #humananxieties #radicalfreedom #responsibility Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore how Herbert Marcuse and The Frankfurt School of Critical Theory significantly influenced 20th-century thought. This episode delves into Marcuse's analysis of new forms of repression post-industrial revolution, his understanding of 1960s student protests, and the concept of The Great Refusal—focusing on human subjectivity, power, control, and consumption. We discuss major points of The Great Refusal and its under-examined relevance today. 0:00: Intro1:34: New Forms of Repression and Consumption5:43: Rick Roderick on Internal Contradictions Within Rationalism7:04: Modern Examples11:09: The New Sensibility and Potential for Change #HerbertMarcuse #TheGreatRefusal #FrankfurtSchool #CriticalTheory #20th-centuryphilosophy #studentprotests #repression #industrialrevolution #humansubjectivity #power #control #consumption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the depths of Søren Kierkegaard's philosophy on angst, our boundless choices, and the path to becoming moral, free individuals. Dive into how existential anxiety shapes our lives and personal freedom. #SørenKierkegaard #FearandTrembling #ExistentialAnxiety #Philosophy #Freedom #Morality #Existentialism #Individuality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the deep and often overlooked contexts of slavery in the United States, from historic convict leasing to modern private prisons. We also delve into the impact of crime bills, mass incarceration, consumerism, and how historical narratives are shaped. 0:00: Intro2:48: Convict Leasing5:30: Private Prisons7:34: Crime Bills, Mass Incarceration and Justification11:02: Consumerism, Abstract 'Soft' Slavery, and Historical Revisionism16:42: Ending Conclusions #SlaveryintheUnitedStates #ConvictLeasing #PrivatePrisons #MassIncarceration #CrimeBills #Consumerism #SoftSlavery #HistoricalRevisionism #AmericanHistory #SocialJustice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we explore the controversial reasons behind why some people have a strong dislike for tech billionaire Elon Musk. We delve into topics such as Bolivia's lithium resources, campaign finance, and unionization efforts at Tesla. Tune in to understand the complex factors fueling this divisive perspective. 00:00: Intro03:25: Bolivia & Lithium08:22: Campaign Finance10:06: Unionization #ElonMusk #BoliviaLithium #CampaignFinance #Unionization #Tesla #Controversy #TechBillionaire #CorporateInfluence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the complexities of Lacanian psychoanalysis with Žižek's unique interpretation. Discover how Lacan's intricate language and concepts are decoded and applied in Žižek's philosophical framework, connecting with Marx and Hegel. Gain insights into topics like Desire, Lack, Split Subject, Symbolic Order, Imaginary, Ideology, Political Jouissance, and notions of Truth. 0:00: Intro3:47: Approaching Lacan6:48: Desire, Lack, and Split Subject9:17: Symbolic Order13:00: Imaginary15:45: Ideology and False Consciousness20:02: Political Jouissance22:48: Split Law, the Sublime, Notions of Truth25:23: Zizek's 'Reading' of Lacan27:15: A Message #Žižek #LacanianPsychoanalysis #HowtoReadLacan #Philosophy #Desire #Lack #SymbolicOrder #Imaginary #Ideology #PoliticalJouissance #Truth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we delve into 'The German Ideology,' the seminal work by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Discover how this text lays the foundation for historical materialism, dialectical materialism, the division of labor, and the concept of alienation through the labor process. Learn about the critical response to the Young Hegelians and the necessity for a new dialectical philosophy. Perfect for students of philosophy, history, and political science. 0:00: Intro2:15: Illusions of German Ideology5:26: History and Consciousness8:15: The Real Basis of Ideology12:47: The Relation of State and Law to Property16:41: Proletarians and Communism22:43: A Message #KarlMarx #FriedrichEngels #TheGermanIdeology #historicalmaterialism #dialecticalmaterialism #divisionoflabor #alienation #YoungHegelians #philosophy #politicalscience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the role of art, aesthetics, and literature in shaping our understanding of the future, with a specific focus on cyberpunk. Discover how cyberpunk differs from other science fiction genres like Star Wars or Star Trek, and delve into its prescient relevance to contemporary society. 0:00: Intro2:53: Neoliberalism of Cyberpunk4:40: Private Military5:24: Ultimate Hedonism and Postfordism6:41: Transhumanism and Postmodernism8:18: The Loss of Future10:32: Conclusionary Thoughts12:11: A Message #Cyberpunk #ScienceFiction #Philosophy #Theory #Art #Aesthetics #Literature #Neoliberalism #PrivateMilitary #Hedonism #Postfordism #Transhumanism #Postmodernism #Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices