In this episode of Critical Currents, hosts Stella Horns and Ziyan Xie interview philosopher Susan Neiman, diving into a nuanced discussion of freedom, universalism, and power. Neiman seeks to bridge the gap between academia’s ivory tower and the front lines of political resistance, believing that public engagement and activism is an integral part of the philosopher’s mission. While covering much of the subject matter of Neiman’s newest book, Left is Not Woke, the conversation pushes past the ideological infighting about controversial buzzwords that so often derails political discussions to get to the meat of the issues Neiman is passionate about. She grapples with the concepts of tribalism, self-interest, and in- and out-group philosophies in politics, coming out the other side advocating for the universalism that underpins classical leftism and a foundational sense of justice. Neiman tells us to travel, to read, to celebrate the wins we get, and above all, to remain engaged and hopeful.

MENTIONED:

Carl Schmidt (1888-1985)

Martin Heidegger (1889-1976)

Hannah Arendt (1906-1975)

Ground News

Susan Neiman’s website

Left is Not Woke

Audio & Sound Engineering by sadie ibrahim, with additional sound engineering by Najeeb Jones.

Critical Currents is a collaborative production of the Wende Museum, Thomas Mann House, and dublab, with episodes airing from the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at the dublab studio. New episodes release monthly throughout the spring and fall, available on all podcast platforms. 

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