Decrypted, Ars Technica's TV podcast

Reading excerpts from thinker and philosopher Eugene Thacker's latest work, "Infinite Resignation." Thacker is a professor at the New School in NYC, and in his essay "On Pessimism" is composed of aphorisms / fragments which explore the concept. You can purchase the book here: https://tinyurl.com/y6d6k2wz I also share some thoughts about how the perspective of pessimism relates to Beyond Left & Right (BLR) philosophy. Intro/Outro song is my own composition, except for the drum track, which comes from https://www.drumdrops.com/. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomeother

For the third and final episode recorded in California, Brad's friend Huston joins us to trash liberal-left SJW politics (which we all dislike), and explore some other themes as well such as the legitimacy of therapy, simulation theory, and whether Godfather III was essential viewing or not.

My guest David joins us to talk about conspiracy theory from a leftist perspective. A rather long interview, but definitely one of my most interesting conversations to date! We start out talking about the CIA and the USSR/North Korea, wind our way through Elsagate and Jeffrey Epstein's pedo island, the strange string of "suicides" including Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain, then the death of rock music, capitalism, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and 9/11 conspiracy.

While visiting my good friend Aidean in California, he introduced me to Brad, who he has known for many years. Brad is a musician, actor, and athlete, and does not follow politics, but he has strong views on freedom speech and other social issues. His girlfriend Ashley also stopped by to join us, and she has some strong views as well. We discuss issues relating to freedom of speech, and social media censorship, including the multi-platform ban of Alex Jones which had just happened at the time of this recording.

Selections from philosopher Slavoj Žižek's "Against the Double Blackmail: Refugees, Terror, and other Troubles with the Neighbor." A piece which is very helpful in avoiding the worst dogmas on the left and right when it comes to the immigration issue. Neither pure open borders or pure closed borders is the answer. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomeother

My hot take on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic Socialist from New York who unexpectedly won against the incumbent establishment Democrat. Can you support her even with reservations about her lack of qualifications, or about Democratic Socialism? Yes. The important thing is that she is a good/honest person fighting for the working class, and excessive criticism can be a tool of the status quo. Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomeother

Some thoughts about how the major power systems (capitalism, the state, etc.) can be thought of as elements of a human ecosystem. Rather than an invasive alien force, they fulfill natural and necessary roles, but are prone to corruption and abuse. Organizing to combat those problems forms a social justice power system, which is also prone to corruption and abuse. This biological metaphor may help us dislodge the dysfunction in the system. I also appropriate a concept (Negation of the Negation) from Hegel that probably has nothing to do with what he actually meant. Follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/becomeother

A reading of Mark Fisher's "Exiting the Vampire Castle," the late thinker's critique of toxic tendencies on the left where class analysis and liberatory praxis is replaced by personal attacks on individuals for not being woke enough. Some commentary on my own feelings and thoughts about this at the end. Follow me on Twitter @becomeother https://twitter.com/becomeother

Anton (Theoretical Artist) joins me to discuss our criticisms of the existing left and right ideologies, and what - if anything - lies beyond them. We agree that whatever that it will involve a lot of complexity, and it can't be reduced to simple statements like "capitalism is bad/good." Also don't confuse us with the Intellectual Dark Web, please. Theoretical Artist's channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TenuousTheories/ Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/becomeother

My somewhat sympathetic but also critical take on incels (involuntary celibates)who are dudes angry at women because they can't get laid. Follow me on Twitter: @becomeother

Who defines what critical theory is? Is it synonymous with the tradition we call "Critical Theory" which emerged from European universities, or is its scope broader than that? To help answer this question, I engage with a foundational text on critical theory from Frankfurt School thinker Max Horkheimer.

My roommate Sven joins me for a discussion on Jordan Peterson and related current happenings.

Why the left should be against SJWism (with some qualifications), and how it is harmful to the cause of creating a better, more equal society. Twitter: @becomeother Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/becomingother Wordpress: https://becomingother19.wordpress.com/

Reading of and commentary on "Estranged Labor" from Karl Marx's "Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844." Source: https://www.marxists.org/archive/marx/works/download/pdf/Economic-Philosophic-Manuscripts-1844.pdf

My friend Don joins me for this discussion, the subject of which is "Heidegger's Children" by Richard Wolin (2001). Much of the book is concerned with the German philosopher's relationship with his Jewish students, among them Hannah Arendt. The particular chapter we are discussing, "Arbeit Macht Frei," is about the extent to which Heidegger's ontological philosophy of Being is related to his political commitment to Nazism. Even though the recent release of his "black books" revealed the extent of Heidegger's anti-semitism, his defenders argue that his philosophy (which was hugely influential on subsequent continental thought) remains untainted. This book argues that there are in fact strong connections between his philosophy and politics.

This episode is on current affairs and happenings related to politics. I discuss the Chris Cutrone essay "The Millennial Left is Dead," which you can read here: https://platypus1917.org/2017/10/01/millennial-left-dead/ I also offer my thoughts on this alt-right sh*tshow with Richard Spencer, Sargon of Akkad, and Styx. I don't recommend watching all 4 hours: https://youtu.be/UiUH-tWHbr8

In this episode I read aloud one of Nietzsche's more well-known pieces, "On Truth and Lie in a Nonmoral Sense" (sometimes known as "Extra-moral Sense"), and provide some commentary.

First episode of a new podcast combining critical theory and political philosophy with analysis of current events.