In this episode, I explore the complex relationship between meritocracy, credentialism, and the rise of Trumpism in the United States. Using Alicia Keys' Super Bowl halftime performance and the elites' reaction to it as a starting point, I delve into how the ideals of perfectionism and meritocracy have created a cultural divide that fuels resentment and disillusionment among a large portion of the American population.

I examine the historical and philosophical roots of these issues, tracing the origins of the modern meritocratic worldview back to the Protestant Reformation and the rise of capitalism. I discuss how this shift in thinking has led to a society that places immense value on individual achievement and success, often at the expense of acknowledging the role of luck, privilege, and systemic factors.

I argue that this meritocratic ethos, combined with the concept of credentialism, has left many Americans feeling left behind and resentful of the elites who seem to benefit from this system. I suggest that this resentment has created a fertile ground for the rise of Trumpism, which offers a voice to those who feel disenfranchised and ignored by the dominant narrative of meritocracy.

Throughout the video, I draw on the works of various scholars and thinkers, including Michael Sandel, Max Weber, Jackson Lears, and Wendell Berry, to support my analysis and provide a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

Here is a link to my article on Medium, where I explore these ideas in greater depth.

IN this episode cross posted on Youtube, I share an article I recently published on Medium about the intersection of AI and music. I lay out the philosophical implications of generative AI and the disassembly of music into modular components for capital circulation and its implications on artistic expression and freedom. I argue for the importance of preserving authentic, embodied musical experiences and the role of genuine musical communities in safeguarding the transformative power of music.  Drawing on the works of philosophers such as Peter Sloterdijk, Anna Kornbluh, Hartmut Rosa, and others, I explore the concept of primordial resonance and how nurturing contextualized, embodied musical spaces is crucial for maintaining the vital link between our primal musical enchantments and the public sphere. Join me as I delve into why these spaces, where freedom takes root, are essential for reclaiming the intimate, individualized experience of hearing that is so fundamental to our well-being and the future of music in the age of AI.  

• Jessica Powell's article on Ai and Music: https://trapital.co/2024/03/08/is-generative-music-really-the-next-napster/
• The Article: https://medium.com/@revivingvirtue/the-transparent-artist-music-in-the-age-of-ai-disassembly-8663e5013ecd  
• The eariler referenced article on AI as style engines: https://medium.com/@revivingvirtue/ais-lone-banana-problem-art-ontology-and-the-unseen-threat-21f6ea2be377

In this episode of 'Reviving Virtue,' we scrutinize John Dewey's political and social philosophy, specifically focusing on his idea of democracy as a way of life and its profound implications on our societal structures. We examine his unique approach to democracy as an interactional and communicative process, as well as exploring the importance of habit and impulse in democratic engagements. Dewey's critique of American philosophy and his call for its reformation is also covered. Join us as we delve into his ideas on creative actions' potential to initiate societal transformation and how we, as a society, can navigate the crossroads of democracy we currently face.

Link to the book with the chapter explored: 

Reading Dewey: Interpretations for a Postmodern Generation – Chapter 5. “Dewey’s Social and Political Philosophy” by John Stuhr

Contact:
[email protected]

In this episode of Reviving Virtue, host Jeffrey Anthony engages Dr. Molly Farneth in a rigorous dialogue exploring the multifaceted connections between rituals, virtues, and democratic communal life. Dr. Farneth, author of "The Politics of Ritual," elucidates the transformative potential of rituals for shaping social norms, articulating community values, and nurturing democratic citizenship. From the paradigm-shifting case of the Philadelphia 11 to the application of Hegelian social ethics, and even touching upon the cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift, this conversation provides a nuanced investigation into the capacity of rituals and habits to rejuvenate our democratic ethos.

Books Discussed:

• The Politics of Ritual by Molly Farneth
• Hegel's Social Ethics: Religion, Conflict, and Rituals of Reconciliation by Molly Farneth

Topics Covered:

• The importance of rituals in shaping social norms
• Hegel's social ethics: Recognition and Reconciliation
• The Philadelphia 11: A case study in ritual and social change
• American Democracy and the Struggle for Recognition
• Habits, Virtues, and their Role in Democratic Life
• Rituals and Creativity
• The Role of Emotions and Responsibility in Public Rituals
• Taylor Swift and Collective Effervescence: A cultural phenomenon

Contact: [email protected]

Music by Jeffrey Anthony

I explore the critique John Dewey presents at the end of Chapter 4 of 'Human Nature and Conduct,' specifically targeting Henri Bergson's concept of élan vital. This video delves into Dewey's alternative philosophy based on 'intelligent habit,' offering a nuanced critique of Bergson's transcendental ideas through the pragmatic lens of Deweyan thought.

YouTube Channel

Music By Jeffrey Anthony 

Books:

• Human Nature and Conduct by John Dewey 
• Creative Evolution by Henri Bergson

Contact:

[email protected]

In this episode of Reviving Virtue, I explore the complex interplay between economics, morality, and violence in contemporary American society. Drawing on the philosophies of John Dewey and the hyper-reality of today's multinational firms, I reflect on the moral consequences of their actions and the seeming inevitability of societal anger and violence. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and ethical inquiry, the episode invites listeners to consider how we might challenge the status quo, imbue our culture with new vocabulary, and recognize the social construction of economics as a path to a more harmonious future.

Topics Discussed:

• The philosophical insights of John Dewey
• The moral responsibility of multinational firms
• Socially constructed nature of economics
• The role of politicians as magnets for public anger
• Increasing violence in contemporary America
• The need for new educational narratives and cultural guidance
• Personal reflections on touring and experiencing violence

Books Discussed:

• Human Nature and Conduct by John Dewey

Contact:

• [email protected]
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony
• YouTube channel

In Episode 15, Jeffrey delves into the Emersonian theodicy and pragmatism, two philosophical ideas that offer a fresh perspective on individualism, community, and the challenges of modern capitalism. Drawing on the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and other influential thinkers, the episode explores the nexus between personal virtue and social responsibility, critiquing neoliberal ideologies and Silicon Valley's extractive culture. Through a dialogue on shared values, responsibility, and the pursuit of truth, this episode aims to revive virtues that foster a more compassionate and flourishing society.

Topics Covered:

1. Emersonian Theodicy and Its Principles
2. Pragmatism as a Philosophical Approach
3. Individualism and Community Responsibility
4. Critique of Neo-Liberalism and Silicon Valley's Culture
5. Virtues of Self-Reliance, Integrity, Empathy, and Social Responsibility
6. The Dichotomy between Modern Capitalism and Virtue Ethics
7. Envisioning a Creative Democracy
8. The Role of Narrative and Moral Development in Society
9. Engaging with Community and Enlarging Participation

Books Discussed:

1. The American Evasion of Philosophy by Dr. Cornel West
2. Regime Change: Toward a Post-Liberal Future by Patrick Deneen
3. The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good by Michael Sandel

Further Info: 

• Contact: [email protected]
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony 
• Bookshop page with list of all books discussed across all episodes 

Join us for an enlightening dialogue with Dr. Mary Carol Combs, a renowned professor from the University of Arizona, as we delve into the contentious issue of bilingual education in Arizona. The conversation navigates through the intricacies of structured English immersion, the critical role of language in economic development, and the paradox of policies advocating for bilingualism while restricting bilingual education. Listen in as we dissect the complexities of language policy, explore language activism, and contemplate the political clarity required by educators. Our discussion also centers around the potential repercussions for 'noisy' activists and the paradoxes in the conservative approach to education policy. Finally, we reflect on linguistic diversity's immense potential in shaping our collective moral understanding and creative capacities. A central theme of our conversation is the influence and relevance of the work of Paulo Freire, the renowned Brazilian educator and philosopher known for his influential work, 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

Books/Papers mentioned:

• "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire
• "Language Activism and Language Policy" by Mary Carol Combs and Susan Penfield.
• "Theatre of the Oppressed" by Augusto Boal

Topics Discussed

• The evolution and criticism of Structured English Immersion in Arizona
• The impact of language policy on economic development
• The counterintuitive benefits of instruction in a child's first language
• The paradox of advocating for bilingualism while restricting bilingual education
• The necessity of political clarity and awareness in teaching
• The tension between local knowledge and overarching policy in education
• The exploration of language activism and its implications
• The impact of conservative policy on educational practices
• The relationship between language diversity and moral understanding
• The practical implementation and challenges of bilingual education in schools

Further Info:

• Contact: [email protected]
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony
• Bookshop page: https://bookshop.org/shop/RevivingVirtue

In this episode we explore the intersections of philosophy, economics, and societal norms, guided by the insights of philosophers such as Molly Farneth, Hegel, Aristotle, and John Dewey, as well as contemporary thinkers like Benjamin Studebaker. We explore Studebaker's article "The Catholic Profit of Inequality" from Compact Magazine, examining its critique of wealth disparity from the early Christian era to the present day. Through this exploration, we engage with complex ideas about virtue, morality, societal habits, and the potential for reconciliation in our divided society.

Links to article and Books:

• The Catholic Prophet of Inequality by Benjamin Studebaker
• Hegel’s Social Ethics by Molly Farneth
• The Politics of Ritual by Molly Farneth
• Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics (Revised)

Topics:

1. Hegel's Influence on Modern Society
2. Aristotle's Virtue Ethics
3. John Dewey's Emphasis on Habits
4. Studebaker's Critique of Wealth Disparity
5. The Role of Economic Conditions
6. The Importance of Recognition and Reconciliation
7. The Impact of Capitalization on Essential Aspects of Life
8. The Role of Rituals in Society
9. The Interplay of Economic Prosperity and Moral Flourishment
10. The Potential of Pragmatism in Bridging Divides

Further Info:

1. Contact: [email protected]
2. Music by Jeffrey Anthony
3. Bookshop page: https://bookshop.org/shop/RevivingVirtue

In this episode, we dive into the role of the Federal Reserve, its dual mandate, and the socioeconomic implications of controlling inflation through employment. We explore the concept of aggregates of aggregates, the artificiality of the 2% inflation rate, and draw upon the perspectives of French philosopher Bruno Latour to shed light on how economic measures are influenced by practices, technologies, and social interactions.

Books Discussed:

• We Have Never Been Modern - https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780674948396
• The Tyranny of Merit - https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9781250800060

Further Info:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-S-86YcDfV94_u2i1qlYbQ
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Reviving_Virtue
• Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/RevivingVirtue
• Bookshop page: https://bookshop.org/shop/RevivingVirtue
• Contact: [email protected]
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony