Ep. 1724 Postmodernism, Critical Theory, and What's Wrong With (Much of) Academia

James Lindsay joins me to discuss postmodernism, critical theory, and the various fields -- like "queer studies", "disabled studies", and the like -- that have made academia into a minefield of untouchable orthodoxies. Subscribe to the Tom Woods Show:

[iant]

It's impossible to determine the truth.

>Now let me tell you the truth about how you're being oppressed.

[tarstarkusz]

The biggest take-away from this particular conversation should be that these people have robbed us of language necessary to resolve anything. The assault on language, especially in the last 20 years is not accidental.
There is also an underlying histrionics to a lot of this stuff. Anyone, but especially a minority who says they feel uncomfortable and in great physical danger while on the average college campus in America is absolutely not connected to reality. Any woman who says they are fearful of their physical or even mental safety in the average office in America is disconnected from reality.
Every single conversation between left and right has been utterly poisoned.
Anyone who thinks this is fringe is not paying attention.

[jeffersonianideal]

One of the other participants in _The Grievance studies affair_ was Dr. Peter Boghossian. Dr. Bognossian has been a vociferous critic of the regressive Left. He would make an excellent guest on the Tom Woods Show.

[AJ-HawksToxicFinger]

So excited to listen to this on my walk today but I have a suggestion for my man Tom: Put the guests names in the titles. All of us TW fans will be tuning in anyway BUT your guests are how you lure new listeners.
James is HOT commodity and people search his name often and it would be nice if your podcast showed up in searches for people unfamiliar with the Tom Woods pod cast

[rustlecompton]

This guy's mind is strong to have able to go down the post modern rabbit hole, and not come out insane.

[RedDragon]

James is the best resource for anyone who's trying to figure out how to raise concerns with postmodernism and critical theory taking over their corporation.

[jeffersonianideal]

Misnomers about the class struggle begin in a government classroom.

[tarstarkusz]

36:30 What does it matter if they are sincere or not? Pedophiles may be sincere. They may genuinely love children. They may genuinely believe in their heart of hearts that society is not well for wanting to protect children and that we retrograde and depriving them of sexual gratification.
This is absolutely plausible, yet, we all recognize that this self-serving nonsense and that they need to be STOPPED. Not helped. Not patronized. Not excused, but STOPPED!

[anitkithra]

This was a relatable story. A lot of parallels to my own story. I remember telling my walk away story 3 years ago and saying "I know I'm not the only one who this is happening to." I had no idea how many there really were.

[outofbluepills]

I think that was the best summary of the philosophical roots and current applications of social "justice" philosophy I've ever heard. James Lindsay is THE go-to source for explanations of the madness that has swept the professoriate.

[Hobohunter]

"Can't trust reason."

..Did you reason that out? These people are hilarious. Lol.

[deusvult]

Lindsey is exceptionally clear thinking and articulate. But C.S. Lewis long ago anticipated all this in his little great masterpiece 'The Abolition of Man'. It bears reading and rereading by everyone.

[laww]

So if I understand these theories correctly:

Critical Theory = power is bad unless I have it
Post Modernism = truth doesn't exist except for what I say is true

If this is the wisdom we get from the intellectuals, give me a layman's commonsense anytime.

[williamhampton]

The key to understanding these people is to know that they are batshit crazy.

[manuelsevilla]

As an atheist with a background in mathematics, and former leftist I can totally relate to James Lindsay

[JohnB-nqjs]

If nothing is objectively true then why doesn't that also apply to postmodernism itself? Isn't this an obvious logical fallacy?

[WillToWinvlog]

Nobody is more "religious" than an atheist!

[EmmanuelGoldstein]

Modernist: “You’re wrong because that’s false.”

“I disagree with that because it’s not true.”

Postmodernist: “You’re wrong because you’re claiming to have truth.”

“I disagree with that because it is claiming to be true.”

[murkydepths]

I so needed to hear this. Thank you 💖🙏👍

[alexDD-je]

Tom, you need to post videos of these. It'll boost up your views tenfold.