Shows
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastMy Freedom, My Rights, and the End of the Social ContractIn the last two years we have seen an explosion in assertion of “absolute freedom” and “absolute rights” in the social and political crisis surrounding vaccines and the government’s authority to mandate vaccines. Throughout the country, people have asserted an irreducible freedom and an unconditional right to “decide” whether to accept the vaccination. This is understanding and assertion of freedom and rights are yet another example of an extraordinary confusion about the core philosophical and political ideas that animate the American Political experiment. In this episode we explore historical and philosophical story surrounding th...
2021-10-151h 05
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastTexas and the Theologico-Political Crisis "I have longer to please the dead than please the living here." (Sophocles, Antigone). With these chilling words, Antigone sets in motion a Theologico-Political Crisis that will devour the Royal Family of Thebes and shatter the city. The Theologico-Political crisis that constitutes the drama of Sophocles' famous tragedy is a defining condition of Western Civilization, the emergence of Platonic and Metaphysical political philosophy, and the driving force behind the emergence of Modern political philosophy and Liberal Political Philosophy. Indeed, the Theologico-Political crisis is driving force behind the creation of American Liberal Democracy. Now it is back. The recent law...
2021-09-2355 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastWe Are BackAfter an extended break, Walker and Professor Dungey return! In this, "we are back," episode we examine where we are, and identify three main ideas to contextualize what is happening and where we are going. First, we must always remember that democracies are inherently fragile, and sometimes dangerous. Second, we discuss the idea that the legal and political institutions and processes of American Democracy are human inventions that are hard to build and hold, but easy to lose. Third, we discuss the crisis of legitimacy that threatens to dissolve the American political experiment. We are living in and through the m...
2021-09-0958 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastBecoming Mortal Gods and the End of Liberal Democracy A critical theme running throughout Modern, and Modern Liberal Political Theory is the recognition of, and consequences that result from, the Death or Displacement of God. Ever since Machiavelli Displaced God from the Cosmos and the Human Mind, it has now become necessary for Human Beings to Create the Moral, Economic, and Political Institutions that bring Order, Security, and Peace to Human Life. Humans must now do the Work that God used to do. However, within this extraordinary observation is a fascinating, empowering, and terrifying ambiguity. In our most recent podcast, "Becoming Mortal Gods and the End of Liberal...
2019-03-271h 31Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Age of Acquisition and the Perfection of Inequality The Washington Post proclaims: "The GOP Tax Reform is a Scam." As Millions of working and middle class people are discovering that their tax returns are either significantly lower, or, that they actually owe substantial amount of money, they feel conned. And yet, while the recent GOP tax reform does represent one of the largest transfers of wealth in the History of American Politics, and while that transfer of wealth overwhelmingly benefitted the super-rich, nothing has gone wrong. No one has been Conned. In this episode, "The Age of Acquisition and the Perfection of Inequality," we argue that the...
2019-02-271h 18Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastGovernment Shutdown, Executive Power, and the Coming AuthoritarianismAs the Institutions and Processes of Government continue to falter and breakdown, another Government Shutdowns looms, and the ominous threat of a Declaration of National Emergency darkens the American sky, we investigate what all three of the phenomena have in common, and how they will contribute to the emergence of an Authoritarian Regime. In our latest episode, "Government Shutdown, Executive Power, and the Coming Authoritarianism," Walker and Professor Dungey not only investigate what each of these dynamics mean, but also situate each dynamic in the deeper philosophical context of Modern Political Philosophy and it's Liberal variant--the Artificial Nature of P...
2019-02-141h 04Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastDSU LIVE FB event - Winning the Culture Wars and the End of Liberal Democracy In our Fourth, Special DSU Event, we share with you the audio from a DSU Live Event, recorded on October 21, 2017. In this episode, we examine the renewed attempt by powerful groups within American Society and Democracy to ACQUIRE AND EXERCISE POLITICAL POWER FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSERTING A SPECIFIC CLAIM TO THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE. This is extraordinarily dangerous. If a particular group ever "WINS" the Culture Wars, if means the END of Liberal Democracy as we know it. No one "WINS" a Culture War.
2018-04-201h 10Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe State of Nature, Social Contract, and Guns In the wake of yet another mass shooting that left 17 young people dead at a high school in Parkland, Florida, the nation is once again torn apart by suffering and vicious ideological debate about gun ownership in America. In this episode, "The State of Nature, Social Contract, and Guns," Professor Dungey and Walker approach the issue of guns from the deeper historical and philosophical ideas that animate early Modern political theory, and especially the emergence of Liberal Political Philosophy. We approach the issue of guns from the perspective of Hobbes's State of Nature, his notion of Radical...
2018-04-041h 10Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastFB1_Chaos as a Political Strategy Recently, Donald Trump said he "likes governing by chaos." And, there are many who would say that his administration is chaotic. In this episode, Professor Dungey investigates the philosophical origins and meanings of the idea of Chaos as it emerges in Early Modern Political Theory. What role did the idea of "chaos" play in the early development of Modern Political Philosophy? And, what does it mean to govern "chaotically." Much of Modern Political Philosophy is specifically designed to contain and escape chaos. Can Liberal, Democratic Institutions and Processes survive Chaos? Enjoy
2018-03-181h 16Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastWelcome to the Post-Truth Presidency For two years we have been told that the informational, social, and political crisis now unfolding has been set in motion by the emergence of the Post-Truth Language and Thoughts of Trump. Indeed, last year, Chuck Todd declared, "Welcome to the Post-Truth Presidency." In this counter-intuitive episode, Walker and Professor Dungey discuss how this Narrative is actually wrong, and more importantly, Dangerous. Enjoy.
2018-03-071h 03Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastDSU LIVE FB Event, recorded 11/11/17 - Boethius, Machiavelli, and Lady Fortuna: The Origins of the Modern Sexual Assault CrisisIn our Second, Special DSU Event, we share with you the audio from a DSU Live event, recorded on November 11, 2017. In the past two years, the Sexual Assault Crisis has exploded over every facet of our lives. From Entertainment to Politics, to Corporate America, and Sports, the avalanche of stories of sexual abuse, assault, and exploitation have ripped open American consciousness. In this unflinching episode, "Boethius, Machiavelli, and Lady Fortuna: The Modern Philosophical Origins of the Sexual Assault Crisis," Professor Dungey identifies and traces one critical component to this crisis to Machiavelli's Radical, Aggressive, and potentially Violent re-Imagination of the G...
2018-03-041h 36Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastDSU LIVE FB event, recorded 11/2/17 - Collusion, Conspiracy, Trump, and Locke's Account of the Dissolution of GovernmentIn this SPECIAL DSU Podcast event, we share with you the audio from a DSU LIVE Facebook Event, recorded on November 2, 2017. In this episode, "Collusion, Conspiracy, Trump, and Locke's Account of the Dissolution of Government," we examine Locke's specific examples of when actions taken by a political leader, or one seeking political power, render the Regime Illegitimate and therefore Dissolved. Locke argues that when a Leader, or one who aspires to acquire power, conspires with a Foreign source "TO ALTER THE ELECTORAL PROCESS," the Regime is illegitimate and therefore should be Dissolved. This episode was recorded BEFORE M...
2018-02-2557 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastWe are thrilled to be backAfter an eight month hiatus, the DSU podcasts are back! In this episode, Walker and Professor Dungey welcome the DSU family and muse about the most significant themes and events that have transpired since April 2017. In this episode we discuss the idea that in the Modern, Liberal Philosophical tradition, democracy is a form of human art, that is it inherently unstable, sometimes dangerous, and that it must be actively re-authorized across historical time and space. What we are witnessing and living now is a existential and constitutional crisis that reveals the terrifying and sublime truth of democracy. We are...
2018-02-2158 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastLiving "Life as Art:" The Ana Kasparian InterviewIn our most recent episode: "Living 'Life as Art:' the Ana Kasparian Interview," we revisit our most favorite theme. In a past episode titled, "Life as Art," we raised the question of what it would be like to treat consciousness, meaning, and even life itself as an aesthetic experience. Living life as an artistic process means to find the emotional strength and creative clarity to give one's life meaning, beauty, and value. In this episode we interview Ana Kasparian and discover how she found the emotional strength and the creative and intellectual energy to re-imagine her own life a...
2017-04-1247 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastDeconstruction of the Administrative State In a recent interview, Stephen Bannon, the Chief Advisor and Intellectual Strategist of the Trump Administration, said that the Primary Goal of the Trump Administration is the "Deconstruction of the Administrative State." In our most recent episode, titled, "The Mythology of the 'Deconstruction of Administrative State,'" we examine Bannon's provocative assertion. Placing Bannon's assertion in the deeper historical and philosophical context of the Enlightenment, we demonstrate how Bannon is not only misinformed about the nature of the "Administrative State," but more importantly, how the strategies and policies of the Trump Administration are actually doing the very opposite of...
2017-04-0455 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastInformational Tribalism Recently, Donald Trump stated: "The Past 'Phony' Jobs Numbers are now 'Very Real.'" In our last episode, "A Very (Brief) History of Truth," we investigated the philosophical meaning of the "Truth" and traced its historical transformation across different philosophical epochs. In our follow-up episode, "The Crisis of Legitimacy of Meaning and the Emergence of Informational Tribalism," we explore the crisis of meaning that threatens to destroy the very foundation of our social and political space. The emergence of "Fake News," "Alternative Facts," and the collapse of the "Fact/Value" Distinction has brought us to an unprecedented moment of...
2017-03-151h 04Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastA (Very) Brief History of Truth The headlines declare: We live in a Post-Truth world, characterized by Alternative Facts and Fake News. What the hell is going on? In our most recent episode, "A (Very) Brief History of Truth," we discuss the historical origin and philosophical meanings of the idea Truth. In order to try to disentangle what is meant by Post-Truth and alternative facts, we have to establish the philosophical assertions about Truth, trace the the transformation of the idea of Truth across historical epochs, and identify the boundaries and implications surrounding the debates about Truth. Only then can we investigate what Post-Truth and...
2017-03-0157 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastLiberal Philosophy, Happiness, and Affluenza AnonymousIn our most recent episode, "Liberal Philosophy, Happiness, and Affluenza Anonymous," we continue our discussion of the Ancient-Modern debate surrounding the meaning and pursuit of Happiness. In this episode, we investigate the historical and philosophical origins of the Modern, Liberal conception of Happiness and investigate the personal and political consequences. Has the Modern, Liberal account of happiness made us happy? Or, has it turned us into a culture of addicts and prepared the way for political authoritarianism? Controversial stuff, no doubt. Enjoy.
2017-02-151h 02Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastLocke's Prerogative Power, Trump's Executive Order, and the Appeal to HeavenIn light of the extraordinary legal, social, and political events of the past week, we return to an examination of Locke's notion of Prerogative Power, The Take Care Clause, and Executive Orders. In addition, we examine Locke's fascinating and terrifying analysis of what happens when there is a potentially irresolvable conflict in the political community between the citizens and the President about the legality and public good of the President's Executive Order. Locke's famous statement that when this arises, there is only an "appeal to heaven" is code for the potential and justification for revolution. This is very serious st...
2017-02-0239 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Great Debate Between Hobbes and Locke Finally Settled? While Hobbes and Locke are two of the most important thinkers of Modern, Liberal Political Philosophy, they had radically different views about the best sort of regime human beings could create through the Social Contract. According to Hobbes's pessimistic view of human nature, he believed individuals were too vainglorious and ambitious to create, and participate in, a representative democracy. Only an all-powerful authoritarian ruler would be able to keep the citizens in line and the state stable and secure. Locke took a different approach. Individually and passionately opposed to any form of monarchy or centralized power, Locke argued that...
2017-01-111h 04Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Philosophies and Tactics of War and the DAPL ProtestorsIn our most recent episode, "The Philosophies and Tactics of War and the DAPL Protestors," we examine the recent, alarming events at Standing Rock, North Dakota. Grounding our conversation in Locke's famous warning to all citizens, that if you are not vigilant and on guard against the extraordinary acquisition of power by government, then the day will come when your right to protest, resist, or alter the direction of power may be impossible. We have arrived at that day. There are two elements to Locke's warning. First, the acquisition of sophisticated technology and military instruments by government may make...
2016-12-0851 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastBoethius' Philosophy of Happiness and False Happiness In our Thanks giving episode, "Boethius' Philosophy of Happiness and False Happiness," we explore Boethius' ancient and powerful account of human happiness and fortune. In this episode we investigate Boethius' philosophical and poetic fusion of Platonic philosophy and Stoicism. By identifying Boethius' account of Reason and Fortune, we are given deep insights into the meaning and purpose of human life, the emotional and rational strength necessary to survive the blows of Fortune, and the clarity to avoid being seduced by False Happiness. It is a perfect discussion in this time of giving thanks.
2016-11-231h 14Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastLiberal Philosophy, Tolerance, and Where We Go From Here In our first episode after the most controversial Presidential Election in American History, we return to a discussion of the fundamental and irreconcilable differences that generate Liberal Philosophy and the creation of American Democracy. Intimately connected to the recognition of irreconcilable difference is an understanding of what Tolerance is, and what it is not. We conclude with a discussion of where we go from here by contextualizing our current political situation in the historical and theoretical account of Locke's notion of Revolution and Civil Society. Enjoy.
2016-11-1656 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastAnswering the Big Questions We are living in an existential, social, and political maelstrom. In our most recent episode, we take a step back from the flames and present the audio from our first Dungey State University Facebook Live Event. Here we respond to three critical questions: What can be done on the personal and political level? Where will we be economically and politically in ten years? And, will the Wikileaks' revelations lead to political transformation? Enjoy.
2016-11-0257 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe End of Legitimacy? During the final Presidential debate, both candidates where asked, once again, if they would accept the outcome of the election. Before 80,000,000 viewers, Donald Trump said, "I'll tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense." Donald Trump made this extraordinary comment because he believes the "Election" is rigged. However, by "Election," Trump does not mean simply the technicalities of the voting process. When Trump claims the "Election" is rigged, he is referring to the entire economic, legal, informational, and political system. In response, Hillary Clinton recently stated that, "Trump's claims are an existential threat to Democracy." BOTH ARE...
2016-10-2655 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastMachiavelli, Public and Private Positions, and Hillary ClintonIn a recently revealed document, Hillary Clinton said to a group of real estate investors, "you need both a public and private position." Earlier in the year, during a highly paid speech for executives at Deutsche Bank, Hillary Clinton said that she dreams of a "hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders." Just last week, speaking to unemployed and marginalized American workers, Hillary Clinton said that she opposes the Trans Pacific Partnership (hemispheric common market with free trade and open borders), and she will protect American manufacturing and jobs. In order to understand this, we situate HRC's...
2016-10-1959 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastJS Mill's Philosophy of Anxiety and its Role in Personal and Political Transformation This is the season of Political Anxiety. A recent article in Reuters recommends to Americans anxious about the current political environment to "stop reading the news and take up yoga." While yoga is a wonderful practice, we do not advise Americans to stop reading the news and tune out. In our latest episode, "JS Mill's Philosophy of Anxiety and its Role in Personal and Political Transformation," we investigate the powerful role anxiety, and bearing witness to anxiety, plays in our individual and political elevation. Anxiety, and the way it makes us uncomfortable, is the energy of growth and political...
2016-10-1454 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastLocke's Philosophy of Law, the State of War, and Wells Fargo The only separating the State of War from the Political community is the law, and the willingness and ability of the legal and political institutions to enforce it. When individuals or corporations engage in deliberate, on-going, and pervasive criminal activity on a massive scale, and the legal and political institutions are unwilling or unable to criminally prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law, then the law dies. When the law dies, tyranny emerges, and when tyranny emerges we return to the State of War. In our most recent episode, "Locke's Philosophy of Law, the State of...
2016-10-0755 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastDonald Trump, Guns, and the On-Going Crisis of Political Legitimacy In a recent speech about the issue of gun ownership in America, Donald Trump said about Hillary Clinton: "I think that her bodyguards should drop all weapons . . . I think they should disarm. Immediately . . . . Let's see what happens to her. Take their guns away . . . . It'll be very dangerous." Trumps comments set off a firestorm of criticism. In our most recent episode, "Donald Trump, Guns, and the On-Going Crisis of Political Legitimacy," we situate and analyze Trump's comments in the deeper, and more ominous context of the on-going erosion of the delicate line between a pre-political, unstable, and often violent existential...
2016-09-2837 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastColin Kaepernick, Martin Luther King, and the Philosophy of Protest and Civil Disobedience Two weeks ago, Colin Kaepernick decided to "sit-out" the National Anthem. He did so to call attention to, and protest, what he believes to be systemic and institutional racism in American culture and law enforcement. His simple, passive, and non-violent protest ignited a firestorm of controversy and set into motion a national debate over the questions of patriotism and respect for the the American Flag. In our most recent episode, "Colin Kaepernick, Martin Luther King, and the Philosophy of Protest and Civil Disobedience," we attempt to situate Kaepernick's political activity in a deeper historical and philosophical context. Enjoy.
2016-09-2142 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastRequiem for Liberal-Democratic Capitalism In a recent editorial in the "Financial Times," the eminent British economics writer, Martin Wolf, warned that Liberal Democracy and Capitalism are heading for a cataclysmic rupture! In this episode, "Requiem for Liberal-Democratic Capitalism," we agree with Wolf's assessment, but argue that Mr. Wolf's analysis is at least two years late to the party. There can be no immanent rupture between Liberal-Democracy and Capitalism because these ideas no longer exist in the way that most people think they do. More interesting in Wolf's essay are his predictions for what is coming. Sorry again, Mr. Wolf, we are already there.
2016-09-1448 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastLocke, the US Constitution and the New Machiavellian Prince. In our fourth and final installment of our series on the transition from Liberal Democracy to Authoritarian Democracy, "Locke, the US Constitution and the New Machiavellian Prince." we examine the theoretical and political justifications for the emergence of a completely legitimate, Authoritarian Executive. In this episode we examine Locke's notion of Prerogative Power, the way this extraordinary idea/power is written into the US Constitution, and how this lays the foundation for the creation of an New, more Vigorous version of Machiavelli's Prince. Enjoy.
2016-09-0754 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastHobbes and the Democratization of the Prince, In Part 3, "Hobbes and the Democratization of the Prince," of our on-going series on the transition from Liberal Democracy to Authoritarian Democracy, we explore the way Hobbes agreed with Machiavelli's fundamental observations about human beings and the natural world, but rejected Machiavelli's political solution. In this episode we identify how Hobbes democratizes the Prince and in doing so creates a proto-form of Authoritarian Democracy. This move is both essential for the ultimate formation of Liberal Democracy and lays the foundation for its return to Authoritarian Democracy. Enjoy.
2016-08-3151 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastMachiavelli and the DNA of Authoritarian Democracy In Part 2 of our ongoing series that examines the philosophical origins of, and the reasons for, a possible transition from Liberal Democracy to Authoritarian Democracy, we return to very beginning of Modern and Proto-Liberal political philosophy, Machiavelli and the Great Prince. In this episode, "Machiavelli and the DNA of Authoritarian Democracy," we investigate Machiavelli's radical rejection of Classical Political Philosophy, what this means, and how his "political solution," the Great Prince, lays the foundation for the eventual transition to Authoritarian Democracy. enjoy.
2016-08-241h 01
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastFrom Liberal Democracy to Authoritarian Democracy It is commonplace to assume that Democracies and Authoritarian regimes are fundamentally different forms of political orders. It is believed that Democracies and Authoritarian regimes differ in their origins, institutions/processes, and ends. But, is this necessarily the case? Do modern Democracies have more in common with Authoritarian regimes than we like to acknowledge? Do modern Democracies share the same impulses that animate Authoritarian regimes, and can Liberal Democracies transform in to Authoritarian democracies? In our most recent episode, Part 1 of a Three Part series, "From Liberal Democracy to Authoritarian Democracy," we investigate this fascinating and chilling question.
2016-08-1758 minDeeper Dive - DSU's podcastMill's Philosophy of Free Speech, Radical Democracy, and Trump In his classic treatise, "On Liberty," JS Mill makes some very powerful claims about free speech and radical democracy. Mill argues that individuals must be absolutely free to express their opinions, no matter how obnoxious, emotionally challenging, or offensive. Only opinions that lead to direct physical harm can legitimately be censored. Mill argues that this position empowers ALL individuals and, equally important, is essential to the creation of a strong, vital democratic political space. In our most recent episode, "Mill's Philosophy of Free Speech, Radical Democracy, and Trump," we argue that the current political environment is a fascinating example...
2016-08-1052 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastLocke's Subjectivist Philosophy of Revolution In our most recent episode, "Locke's Subjectivist Philosophy of Revolution," Walker and Professor Dungey explore the terrifying and liberating dimensions of Locke's claim that when the decision to revolt comes, there are "no judges on Earth" to declare what is "right" or "wrong." In this controversial, and emotionally and philosophically supercharged discussion, we explore whether recent events in America have brought us to this critical, existential space?
2016-07-2539 min
2016-07-061h 07
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Cult of Ignorance in the United States After a short break, Walker and Professor Dungey return. And, it does not get any better than this: A recent article making some noise in the popular discourse proclaims, "The Cult of Ignorance in the United States: Anti-Intellectualism and the 'dumbing-down' of America." Punchy. Provocative. Tired. Worst of all, the essay is only half right. Want the deeper, darker origins of the "anti- intellectual" sentiment in the West? Want to know where the article misses the point? Want to be like Hamlet, as Nietzsche wrote, and pull back the curtain? Check it out. But, then you would be proving...
2016-06-2556 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastPlato Would be Horrified by Trump's Rise. A recent editorial in the Washington Post declared: "Plato Would be Horrified by Trump's Rise." Well, you just knew that we could not pass that up! In our most recent episode, "Plato, Trump, and the Hunger Games of Liberal Democracy," we explain why Plato would be horrified by the rise and influence of Donald Trump, but we also explain why Plato would also be horrified by US and our current political discourse and environment. Donald Trump may (or may not) be the Meletus of contemporary American politics, but that is only half the story. Modern Liberal Political Philosophy, and...
2016-05-0656 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastGlobalization and the Managed Devaluation of the Western Social- Welfare Democracies
Real and raw economic insecurity is driving the electoral
turmoil on both the left and the right. The anxiety is energized by
the brutal awareness that the deep seated, Liberal-Enlightenment
belief in perpetual economic prosperity and political influence is
colliding with the emergence of a new economic and political
paradigm characterized by rapidly diminishing human value and the
end of the nation-state. In this free-wheeling episode,
"Globalization and the Managed Devaluation of the Western Social-
Welfare Democracies," we investigate what the new economic and
political paradigm means for our sense of "value," our income
potential, happiness, and political efficacy...
2016-04-2840 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastFrom the Panama Papers to the Primary Election Process
Headlines scream: On both the Left and the Right, the Election Process is Rigged. The Panama Papers have shone a bright light into the obscure and byzantine ways political leaders and the wealthy "steal" public wealth through tax evasion. And last week, thousands of protestors were arrested in an attempt to "take back the Democracy." What is going on? In our most recent episode, "From the Panama Papers to the Primary Election Process: The Re-Emergence of Aristocratic Governance," we examine the emerging crisis between the overt power and influence of the intellectual and economic aristocracy and the masses who...
2016-04-2151 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastFrom Thoreau to Foucault: Metaphysical and Postmodern Accounts of Resistance and Civil Disobedience
As the political season of discontent continues to heat up, we have a little fun investigating Thoreau's and Foucault's account of Resistance and Civil Disobedience. In our latest episode, "From Thoreau to Foucault: Metaphysical and Postmodern Accounts of Resistance and Civil Disobedience," we examine and compare Thoreau's metaphysical account of resistance and civil disobedience to Foucault's postmodern account of resistance and ethics. Despite very important philosophical differences between Thoreau and Foucault, we identify some very interesting and important similarities in the thought of these unique and fascinating political philosophers. Enjoy!
2016-04-121h 05
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastCivil Disobedience and the Season of Political Discontent
In recent months we have listened to Donald Trump suggest there might be riots if he is denied the Republican nomination, witnessed several acts of political violence, and now we hear the emerging chants from a group called Democracy Spring promising the largest civil disobedience action in American political history. In our most recent podcast, "Civil Disobedience and the Season of Political Discontent," we examine the current political environment through the lens of Henry David Thoreau's and Martin Luther King's account of civil disobedience. We begin by investigating what Thoreau and King meant by civil disobedience, what makes civil...
2016-04-0454 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastFoucault, Disciplinary Power, And Your Threat Score
In our most recent episode, "Foucault, Disciplinary Power, And Your Threat Score," we investigate Foucault's account of Disciplinary Power and the way the primary strategies of Disciplinary Power--the control of space and time, surveillance, and the examination--fabricate subjectivity. In addition, we identify the way these techniques and strategies write and document our "identity" and constitute the substance of our "identity." We conclude this discussion by examining the relationship between Disciplinary Power and what is now called our "Threat Score." Did you know you had a Threat Score? Do you know you what your Threat Score is? Enjoy.
2016-03-301h 01
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastDe-legitimization, Political Violence, and Lockean Revolution
The recent episodes of political violence, emanating from both sides of the ideological spectrum, shocked the nation. Rhetorically ratcheting up the tension, Donald Trump mused that there might be riots if he is denied the nomination, while a left leaning critic of Donald Trump characterized the billionaire-populist as an "existential threat" to America. In our most recent episode, "De- legitimization, Political Violence, and Lockean Revolution," we examine these events and words from the broader perspective of a Crisis of Legitimacy in American economic, social, and political processes and institutions. We conclude the episode by linking this Crisis of Legitimacy...
2016-03-1955 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastFear, Death, and the Collapse of the American Political SpaceIn a recent interview, Noam Chomsky said, "fear, along with the breakdown of society" is responsible for the ascendency of Donald Trump's political influence. In this episode we investigate Chomsky's claim by locating fear in a broader historical and philosophical context, and we discuss how fear is both constitutive of the Modern, Liberal political-philosophical experiment and a mechanism for the unraveling of it. We conclude by trying to measure the extent of Chomsky's claim that we are witnessing the collapse of the American political experiment.
2016-03-1052 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe battle over fillings Scalia's seat
In our most recent episode, Walker and Professor Dungey wade into the emerging political and constitutional crisis surrounding the appointment of the next Supreme Court Justice. Has ideological conflict now made it impossible to function within the existing legal and constitutional framework? Are we lurching toward the dissolution of the philosophical, institutional and social commitments that hold the Republic together?
2016-02-1836 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastFoucault in the Real World
Our most recent podcast, "Foucault in the Real World: Disciplinary Power and the Construction of Human Agency," is our final episode of a Four Part Series. In our last episode, we examined what a Nietzschean and Foucaultian account of Language meant for their interpretation of Power and Human Agency. In this episode we illuminate what these ideas mean in and through an examination of Foucault's critique of the Enlightenment. What is disciplinary power? And why, according to Foucault, are we simultaneously prisoner in and guard over our own consciousness? Enjoy!
2016-02-081h 27
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Implications of the View that Language is Power: Foucault's account of Power and Identity
Our most recent podcast, "The Implications of the View that Language is Power: Foucault's account of Power and Identity," is Part III in an ongoing series investigating the debate between Orwell's metaphysical account of Language and Human Agency and the emergence of a Nietzschean and Foucaultian account of Language as Power. In this episode, we investigate what Nietzsche and Foucault's Post-Metaphysical account of Language means for how we conceive of Power and Human Agency/Subjectivity/Identity. In this episode we move beyond Orwell's Liberal and Enlightenment account of freedom, language, and politics. Enjoy!
2016-02-051h 15
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastthe Orwellian State Part 2 - Language as PowerOur most recent episode, "Language as Power: Transcending Orwell's account of language through Nietzsche and Foucault," is Part II in a Four Part series. In our last episode, we discussed Orwell's claim that powerful, authoritarian governments have stolen our freedom of thought, speech, and action. In addition, we examined Orwell's metaphysical accounts of human freedom, rationality, and language that presuppose Orwell's claim that something has gone terribly wrong in the late-modern intellectual and socio-political space. In this episode, we raise the question: What happens if we abandon Orwell's metaphysical account of freedom and language. What happens if we approach...
2016-01-2655 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Truth about the Orwellian StateIn a recent article in Salon magazine, the author claimed that the GOP has become the party of Orwell's nightmare. Is this correct? What is Orwell's nightmare? In this episode we examine the "Orwellian Mythos," and try to decipher whether current American politics, on both the left and the right, have become the stuff of Orwell's nightmare. We conclude by arguing that Orwell was right, but in the wrong ways! Enjoy.
2016-01-1243 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastExecutive Power (repost)With one year to go in office, President Obama has once again actively "transformed" the legal, political, and institutional relations of power in the United States. Enacting several "Executive Orders" relating to gun control and ownership, President Obama has by-passed Congressional authorization and acted unilaterally. This has ignited a storm of controversy not only over the Second Amendment, but equally as important over the fierce debate about the increasing power of the Executive. But, what is an "Executive Order"? Where does it come from? AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, WHAT IS THE HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PHILOSOPHICAL ACCOUNT OF "MODERN EXECUTIVE POWER" TH...
2016-01-0554 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastLife as Art - #1 Graham ElwoodTwo years ago DSU did a podcast called "Life as Art." In this episode we explored the philosophical foundations and implications of thinking about our identities as works of art. The response to the episode was so overwhelming that we decided to turn the "Life as Art" theme into a series. Each month we will interview individuals who are putting the ideas we discussed in the episode to work. For our inaugural episode, we interview Graham Elwood, a comedian and documentary film maker who pioneered the podcast field for comedians and who has recently released a documentary film about...
2015-12-221h 00
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastMoney in PoliticsIn our most recent episode, Walker and Professor Dungey wade into the emotionally charged and highly "political" issue of "Money in Politics." It is often argued that "money" has corrupted "politics," and that if we could just get "money" out of "politics," we would be much better off. While these are important and legitimate observations, what are the historical and philosophical influences that have led us to where we are? A clearer understanding of our modern, Liberal political-phiosophical heritage will shed light on the co-extensive relationship between the economic and the political.
2015-12-0853 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastWhere does the hate come from?
Responding to the recent episode of political violence, Ben Carson stated: “Unfortunately, there’s a lot of extremism coming from all areas. It’s one of the biggest problems that I think is threatening to tear our country apart. We get into our separate corners and we hate each other, we want to destroy those with whom we disagree.” In this episode we examine the historical and philosophical origins of what Carson called hate, the emergence of tolerance, and Liberal-Democracy's attempt to contain hate, reduce violence, and create free and open social and political spaces.
2015-12-0147 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastAmerica's thrust for the Political OutsiderIn last week's podcast, we examined the deeper philosophical and historical origins of the very idea of the political "outsider." in this episode we examine the specific characteristics of modern politics and reveal why significant numbers of Americans are exhausted with mainstream politicians and the American political process. You want to know 'why" Americans are tired of being lied to, and "why" they know their interests are being sacrificed for corporate and economic power and wealth, listen to this show!
2015-11-2145 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Political OutsiderWith only 90 days until the presidential primaries, two political "outsiders," Ben Carson and Donald Trump, continue to dominate the Republican party nomination contest. By the term political "outsider," people typically mean a candidate who has no significant, or any, political experience and is not part of the political establishment. America has a long history of political "outsiders," but is there a deeper philosophical and historical story behind all of this? In this podcast, we examine the theoretical and historical context of the political "outsider."
2015-11-1435 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastEconomic Justice
During the last Democratic Party Primary debate, there was one theme ALL the participants could agree on: Something terribly wrong and unjust has taken place in the American socio-economic experiment. Governor O'Malley stated, "there is profound economic injustice" in America. Hillary Clinton wants to "save capitalism from itself," and Bernie Sanders stated that "the current system is totally unjust." Common to all the participants is the belief in "economic justice and injustice." But, what is "economic justice"? And, does it exist in the philosophical lexicon of Liberal- Capitalism?
2015-10-2933 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastCan an Anti-Capitalist Socialist to be PresidentDuring Tuesday's Democratic Primary debate, Anderson Cooper asked Bernie Sanders if he thought it was possible for an anti-capitalist socialist to be President of the United States. In this episode, Walker and Professor Dungey dissect Mr. Cooper's deeply misinformed description/question and demonstrate how the United States has transformed beyond the traditional definitions and uses of the terms socialism and capitalism.
2015-10-1935 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastTPP in a deeper historical and theoretical contextAfter years of intense negotiations, the United States and ten other countries have reached an agreement on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The TPP is the largest regional trade agreement in history and it will create the largest free-trade alliance in the world. It will also accelerate a series of economic and political changes that are re-writing the global economic, legal, and political reality. Make no mistake, whether you agree or not, the TPP is another step in the re-creation of trans-national economic and political processes and institutions. In this podcast, Professor Dungey and Walker place the TPP in a deeper...
2015-10-0833 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThree Flash points of Religion and Politics in AmericaIn this discussion, Walker and Professor Dungey discuss three flash points between Religion and Politics that sparked this week. First, Kim Davis is back in the news. Second, we discuss Ben Carson's controversial observation that he would not be comfortable with a Muslim President, and we finish with a discussion of Ted Cruz's extraordinary desire to return the question of the legality of gay and lesbian marriage back to the states. Our discussion unfolds against the backdrop of Boehner's decision on Friday to resign as Speaker of the House. Let the hunger games begin
2015-09-2937 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastKim Davis and her big misunderstanding of the ConstitutionIn this episode, Walker and Professor Dungey discuss the current religious, philosophical, and political drama surrounding Kim Davis' assertion that she will obey "God's authority," and resist Federal law and authority. We will examine Davis' view from the perspective of the Theologico-political crisis, Liberal Political theory as a response to the potential social and political conflict that derives from debates about "what God wants," and why this is potentially so dangerous.
2015-09-1635 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastRand Paul and the Dangerous Myth of 'Our' CountryThis podcast was recorded April 12th 2015, when Rand Paul announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for President. At the time we at DSU were interested in exploring Paul's claim that the purpose of his candidacy was to "take back our country," as he put it. As usual, we approached Paul's claim about "our country" from the political-philosophical point of view and tried to put the claim in a deeper, broader philosophical perspective. Now, 5 months later, in the eye of the political/legal/philosophical storm unleashed by Donald Trump, we are amazed how relevant the discussion really is! Enjoy.
2015-09-0332 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThank You Donald TrumpIn the past month, Donald Trump has turned the political world upside down. In the process he has ignited a firestorm around the debate of political correctness and right to possesses and assert his opinion. In this podcast we examine "The Donald's" opinions and speech from the point of view of JS. Mill's defense of free thought and speech.
2015-08-1931 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastBaltimore is burning 5-1-15In our most recent podcast, Nick and walker examine the protests in Baltimore from the perspective of John Locke's account of Revolution.
2015-05-0341 min
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2015-01-2328 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastE.U. in Crisis 1-9-15In this episode we look at the Jan 25th Greek elections and what they mean to the E.U. and the course of finance in Europe in the short term.
2015-01-0933 min
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2014-12-2027 min
2014-12-1326 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastExecutive PowerIn this show, Walker and Professor Dungey discuss President Obama's extradorinary challenge to Congress: "I have a pen and I will us it." What can we expect from President Obama's threat to expand Executive Power? Will the President act on critical economic,social, and legal issues without the authorization of Congress?
2014-05-0840 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Rich Should Get More VotesIn a recent public interview, Tom Perkins made two extraordinary claims: First, only those who pay taxes should be able to vote. And second, there should be a correlation between the amount of taxes you pay and the number of votes you get. His comments were received with a combination of outrage and laughter. Outrage because they reject the essential American value of equality, and laughter because no one "in his or her right mind" would ever take it seriously. In this episode, Professor Dungey argues that what Perkins claims is actually taking place, and that it is built i...
2014-04-1835 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastUkraine and the Post Revolutionary SocietyTwo years ago, DSU hosted a public discussion titled "The Post-Revolutionary Society." (You can view this discussion on the DSU website). In this controversial and counter-intuitive discussion, Professor Dungey argues that, for a variety of reasons, we may have transitioned into an economic and historical time where the traditional ideas of revolutions as well their purposes are no longer viable.
Now, given the recent events in Ukraine, we have an opportunity to revisit Professor Dungey's analysis to see if the claims of "The Post-Revolutionary Society" hold.
2014-03-2540 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Detroit BankruptcyIn our most recent podcast, Walker and Professor Dungey return to the world of concrete economic and political events. In this episode, we discuss the philosophical and economic reasons for and implications of the single largest municipal bankruptcy in US history. From a political- philosophical point of view, is Detroit's bankruptcy a unique and singular event? Or, is Detroit an example of what is to come?
2014-01-2347 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Consequences of the TruthFollowing up on "The Nature of Identity and Self Awareness", Walker and Professor Dungey dive deeper into the moral and existential implications of our commitment to a metaphysical philosophical or theological discourse.
2013-12-2045 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Nature of Identity and the Self-awarenessIn our most recent podcast, Professor Dungey and Walker dive deeper into a postmodern discussion of the nature of identity and the self-awareness. In this show we explore the potentially coercive implications of our belief in a philosophical or theological world view. Following a postmodern line of analysis, Professor Dungey and Walker reveal the ways in which our conception of freedom, individuality, and rights conceal a the fabrication of identity and values.
2013-12-0651 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastLife as ArtIn our latest podcast, Professor Dungey and Walker travel beyond the modern philosophical account the individual and introduce a "postmodern" account of identity. Here we explore the role of language as a form of power operating in the creation of the self and what this means for an aesthetic view of identity and life.
2013-11-2352 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastVanity and Happiness Part 3 of the CrisisIn Parts I and II of "The Crisis," Professor Dungey and Walker have argued that a fundamental transformation in the economic and political arenas have had a profound impact on the lives of American citizens. The consequences of this transformation have marginalized the importance of the American citizen and crippled their economic capacity to pursue economic and material well-being. In Part III of "The Crisis," Professor Dungey and Walker explore the philosophical origins of the American preoccupation with vanity and the perception of political importance.
2013-11-1545 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Crisis Part 2In Part II of this controversial discussion, Professor Dungey provides an analysis of the economic dimension of the fracturing of the modern liberal philosophical system. In this discussion Professor Dungey identifies the way the transformation of the traditional liberal economic system has moved us beyond market based economic processes and what this means for the individual and citizen.
2013-11-0846 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastThe Crisis Part 1In this "blue-sky" podcast, Professor Dungey provides a totally unique and creative interpretation of the source of the existential crises and conflict now engulfing the individual, economic, and political dimensions of late-modern liberal democracy. Professor Dungey locates the source of this crisis in a fracturing of the tri-partite structure of Liberal Political Philosophy. This is Part I of a Two Part show.
2013-10-3147 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastAmerican ExceptionalismIn a recent, nationally broadcasted speech about the American response to Syria's use of chemical weapons, President Obama said that America is an "exceptional" nation-state. But, what is American Exceptionalism? And, in light of recent foreign events in Egypt and Syria, what is the actual status of American Exceptionalism?
2013-10-2448 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastExecutive PowerAs a follow-up to our discussion about the legality of the NSA spying program, we take a Deeper Dive into the essential and transcendent notion of "executive power" and the critically ambiguous role it plays the creation and maintenance of modern political life. To fully understand the origins and implications of "executive power" we begin with Machiavelli's famous discussion of the Prince who opens and maintains the political space through the terrifying and awe-inspiring "execution." We then trace the way this dark truth of modern political life finds expression in Hobbes, Locke, and the founding fathers. This is a...
2013-10-1654 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastShutting Down the GovernmentGoing beyond the ideological blame game over who is responsible for the current government shutdown, Walker and Professor Dungey locate the existential and philosophical dynamics animating the political crisis.
2013-10-1154 min
Deeper Dive - DSU's podcastDeeper Dive -001- The Legality of the NSA Spying ProgramThe Legality of the NSA Spying Program
Ever since the disclosure of secret documents detailing the massive and far reaching NSA spy program, especially as it relates to American citizens and domestic channels of communications, a firestorm of controversy has erupted over the legality of the Program. However, this focus on the legality or illegality of the NSA PRISM program is misguidedand for two reasons. 1 - The focus on the question of the legality of the program misdirects our gaze from what is really going. 2 - What is really going on with the debate about the legality and...
2013-10-0248 min