Why Theory

Why Theory
Why Theory

Why Theory brings continental philosophy and psychoanalytic theory together to examine cultural phenomena.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Hegelian Praxis

    Ryan and Todd explore the possibilities for praxis in the vein of the notorious philosopher who expresses disdain for the possibilities of a philosophical praxis—Hegel. They look at instances of Hegelian praxis in action, including the church of contradiction developed by Peter Rollins. Hegelian praxis focuses on contradiction, failure, disappointment, and universality. Most importantly, it never operates through a preestablished road map.

    1h 17m

  2. NOV 25

    The Beautiful Soul

    Ryan and Todd explore Hegel’s concept of the beautiful soul as he lays it out in the Phenomenology of Spirit. They discuss the contemporary political situation in terms of this figure and theorize about its predominance in today’s landscape. The beautiful soul also becomes a way of thinking through the difference between Kant and Hegel or between morality and politics.

    1h 14m

  3. NOV 11

    Hegel & Feminism

    Ryan and Todd address the fundamental connections between Hegelian philosophy and feminism. They discuss the role of contradiction in both lines of thought and focus on some of the major feminist readers of Hegel’s philosophy, including Gillian Rose, Catherine Malabou, and Rebecca Comay.

    1h 18m
  4. Aufhebung (Sublation)

    OCT 26

    Aufhebung (Sublation)

    Ryan and Todd work to explain Hegel's central idea of Aufhebung (translated as "sublation"). This unique German term, which means to cancel, to preserve, and to lift up, provides the key for understanding the movement of Hegel's philosophy, but it is also the site for misunderstanding Hegel's project, which the show discusses.

    1h 15m
  5. Contemporary Horror

    OCT 14

    Contemporary Horror

    Ryan and Todd continue their discussion of the horror film by focusing on the genre since Psycho. They discuss Night of the Living Dead, Carrie, The Shining, The Blair Witch Project, It Follows, and The Substance. Their theorize the modern horror film in relation to the psychoanalytic notion of the death drive.

    1h 47m
  6. Fredric Jameson

    SEP 29

    Fredric Jameson

    Ryan and Todd pay tribute to the recently deceased theorist Fredric Jameson. They note his deep and wide-ranging contributions to a variety of fields and his unique ability to find something valuable in the object of his critique.

    1h 14m
  7. Horror Film

    SEP 16

    Horror Film

    Ryan and Todd explore the classical horror film in terms of the antagonism between life and the beyond, inclusive of death. They focus on the films The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Frankenstein, Invisible Man, Godzilla, and Psycho.

    1h 30m
  8. Heist Film

    SEP 2

    Heist Film

    Ryan and Todd develop their theory of the heist film as a genre, which they see as structured through the opposition between desire and its object. They examine closely Rififi, The Killing, Heat, Ocean's 11, and Inside Man, as well as touching on many other key films of the genre. Hugh Manon's film noir podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0aQXewYjXrMtTjwpJ18rg6

    1h 33m
See All (182)

4.8
out of 5
521 Ratings

About

Why Theory brings continental philosophy and psychoanalytic theory together to examine cultural phenomena.

Information

  • Creator
    Why Theory
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2024
  • Episodes
    182
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Why Theory
  • Show Website
    Why Theory

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