By Dena Shottenkirk
talkPOPc or the Philosophers' Ontological Party club, is a public philosophy + socially engaged art practice non-profit founded by Dr. Dena Shottenkirk, who is both a philosopher and an artist. tal
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The podcast currently has 129 episodes available.
Timestamps:
00:10 Intros
01:10 What do we think when we hear "Philosophy? // Interested bystanders
02:00 The nature of power in society // The power of common connection
03:00 Power dynamics as an inevitability, how is power negotiated? Power can be taken away or moved around
04:00 Should we want power to be a stationary concept, should it remain dynamic?
05:05 What would count as the optimal form of power? How should power be distributed in society?
06:35 Small scale: Figuring out how to balance power in individualistic relationships. Can we distribute power evenly?
07:50 Family, can we make the power dynamics explicit? Leveraging power underneath the surface
09:25 Do we explicitly name power in order to deal with it and navigate?
10:55 Explicit power structure, feeling empowered when power is tangible
13:20 What kinds of structures do we want to make? We don't have to replicate what we already know
15:30 The necessity of will and means for power
16:45 Summoning forth the will to enact power over the world, or the right place, right time
18:50 The will to fight all the time. Allowing yourself to play a role in the structure of power
22:00 Changing society is changing our understanding of loving each other
Support the show
Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
Timestamps:
00:10 intros
01:20 setting the stage and outfit talk
01:55 What is philosophy? The thought about thought // Power is ability, the ability to do things and influence
03:15 Power and influence, the connection to trust. Influence is capital
04:40 The power that worries us, the things out of our control. But is power control, or is it influence?
05:55 Social power and raw radical power, the power of ideas
08:00 Policy vs culture as they relate to power
09:10 Dictatorial influence and cult of personality
11:25 Tapping into conservative rage, the idea of America and change
12:40 Confidence that shifts towards hatred as an example of power
13:40 Positive power in the community, bodega comedy that brings Atlantic Avenue together
15:15 How should we measure power? Is it based on the end effects?
16:10 Negative power as a "what could happen?" vs Positive power and seeing the beauty
17:00 Does everyone have access to power as influence? If you have a role in society, you have power
18:20 The power of infants, powerful and tiny tyrants, intention is not 100% necessary
19:20 Power vs Obligation. Do others have power over us, or are we obligated to care for someone?
21:30 When power is deemed unworthy, we decide to fight against it
22:45 Babies are the in-between of influence and nature, but is intention necessary?
Support the show
Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
1:00 They discuss how government censorship, particularly in banning books, restricts access to knowledge and different perspectives, questioning why the government has the authority to control what information people can access or contemplate.
5:00 Noor reflects on her opinion about the situation in the Middle East, acknowledging that her views are largely shaped by her upbringing in a Muslim household. They emphasize the impact of one's upbringing and environment on their perspective.
8:00 They express admiration for opinionated individuals, highlighting the unique aspect of freedom of speech that allows people to express opinions even if they are poorly informed.
12:00 They reflect on the importance of approaching discussions with a rational yet empathetic mindset, suggesting that emotions can be channeled into empathy.
15:00 They discuss the importance of free speech in society, emphasizing how it allows for collective interpretation and the exploration of diverse ideas. They draw parallels to dystopian novels like "1984," where control over speech leads to control over truth.
18:00 They discuss the issue of generalization and its impact on hate crimes and highlight how generalizations about certain groups lead to unfair blame and prejudice against entire communities.
20:00 They emphasize the importance of courage in freely expressing ideas and opinions, even if they may be wrong, and encourage a willingness to change one's mind. Alex suggests that being wrong is acceptable and that the goal is to reach a consensus or understanding, echoing themes of philosophical inquiry into truth.
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Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
2:00 They reflect on the notion of free speech in their personal life, noting that as Americans, they feel relatively unrestricted in their ability to express themselves. While they believe in the importance of free speech, they emphasize the need for understanding the potential repercussions of one's words.
5:00 They highlight the issue of entitlement regarding free speech, particularly noting that disenfranchised communities and working-class individuals, especially people of color, often understand the consequences of their speech.
7:00 They discuss John Stuart Mill's perspective on free speech, highlighting its virtues as outlined in Professor Schaun-Kirk's book. Alex questions whether these virtues of free speech remain intact when negative consequences, whether legal or social, are imposed on individuals expressing their opinions.
10:00 They discuss how anti-capitalist sentiments may face legal repercussions, citing historical examples like the Red Scare. While acknowledging the potential harm of hate speech, they differentiate between harmful speech aimed at individuals and discourse challenging societal systems.
12:00 They the permanence of statements made on the internet, using Kanye West as an example of someone whose controversial remarks, particularly those deemed anti-Semitic, have lasting consequences on his reputation.
15:00 They discuss the complexities of social consequences resulting from freedom of speech, particularly in political discourse. While acknowledging the straightforward cases where individuals may choose to leave relationships due to racist beliefs or behavior, they express interest in instances where political disagreements lead to exclusion or shunning.
18:00 They discuss the disparity between individuals' abilities to express themselves freely based on their social context. They suggest that while legal consequences for hate speech may be minimal, social repercussions can be significant, raising questions about the balance between allowing free expression and preventing harm caused by bullying or hate speech.
22:00 They discuss the limitations of physical spaces for exchanging ideas, noting that public places like libraries often have restrictions. Also, they emphasize how individuals' exposure to different viewpoints online is influenced by algorithms, leading to a skewed understanding of free speech.
26:00 Alex introduces philosopher Miranda Fricker's concept of epistemic injustice, which focuses on instances where injustices occur in how individuals are perceived as credible knowers or sources of knowledge. They explain that biases, whether conscious or unconscious, can lead people to view others as not credible sources of information based on their opposing viewpoints.
30:00 They discuss the impact of social media and the internet on the dynamics of free speech, particularly among younger people. They highlight the potential limitations of free speech in online environments, questioning whether it fosters the same virtues as face-to-face conversations.
33:00 They express concern about the divisive nature of American society, where individuals are often pitted against each other rather than working together to solve common problems. They advocate for a shift in societal mindset towards collaboration and problem-solving as a team, rather than viewing others as adversaries.
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Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
1:00 The conversation begins with a focus on free speech and censorship, prompting them to share their thoughts on whether these concepts are prevalent in society.
5:00 They discuss the potential social consequences of expressing differing political views, particularly in the context of the 2016 presidential election.
8:00 They discuss the concept of echo chambers in politics and social media, where individuals tend to surround themselves with like-minded individuals, reinforcing their own beliefs and ignoring opposing viewpoints.
12:00 They explore the multifaceted nature of the conversation surrounding free speech, suggesting that it extends beyond just legal and moral rights to encompass social dynamics as well.
14:00 They discuss how differing opinions, regardless of political affiliation, can lead to further division among people, and how this can inhibit open communication of ideas.
16:00 They raise questions about whether our conception of free speech should adapt to different social contexts, noting that discussions about free speech often yield varied conclusions depending on the specific examples and social contexts considered.
20:00 They discuss the limitations of the Socratic method in addressing the persistence of falsehoods and misconceptions over time. Alex suggests that societal beliefs may evolve through ongoing discourse and debate, leading to collective agreement on certain truths over time.
24:00 They discuss the consequences of censorship -- the phenomenon of cancel culture, noting its evolution from holding individuals accountable to resembling the Salem witch trials, where minor actions could lead to a disproportionate backlash on social media.
28:00 They explore the peculiar phenomenon of cancel culture, highlighting its dual nature. Alex questions the ethical implications of cancel culture and reflects on its damaging effects despite its origins in free speech.
30:00 They discuss the concept of cancel culture as a form of social censorship rather than a legal one. Alex argues that cancel culture often denies individuals the opportunity to defend themselves or redeem their actions, thus hindering their ability to speak freely and engage in meaningful dialogue.
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Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
2:00 They explore the uncertainty surrounding censorship and the understanding of the First Amendment.
5:00 They acknowledge that artists often express political views through their work and note differences in how art is supported in different countries, such as Germany's grants for techno clubs. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by artists in discussing sensitive topics like Palestine and Israel within certain cultural contexts.
8:00 They discuss the distinction between government actions that limit speech and actual censorship. The conversation contrasts the situation in the United States, where artists have more independence from state support, with that in Germany, where state support plays a larger role.
12:00 They discuss the complexities surrounding free speech in private establishments, particularly in the context of DJs expressing political views regarding Palestine and Israel. The conversation raises questions about the boundaries of free speech in private spaces versus public areas, with a specific focus on where the First Amendment applies.
15:00 They discuss the nuanced nature of free speech and the distinction between protected speech and speech that incites violence. While speech is generally considered a safe exchange of ideas, there are instances where speech can transition into action and potentially lead to violence, which is when it becomes criminalized.
18:00 They discuss the level of respect for free speech and diverse viewpoints at Brooklyn College. While there's room for improvement in considering opposing viewpoints, they believe that people generally maintain politeness and refrain from being confrontational, though there's a call for a deeper understanding of the other side's perspectives.
22:00 Dena emphasizes the importance of actively listening to opposing viewpoints, drawing on John Stuart Mill's perspective. Mill suggests that when engaging with the other side, three outcomes are possible: realizing one's own mistake, finding a compromise, or affirming one's own beliefs.
25:00 They reflect on the changing nature of libraries, expressing nostalgia for the days when they were spaces of focused learning and discovery. They lament the shift towards digital devices, noting how people are now absorbed in their own worlds rather than engaging with the richness of books.
28:00 The conversation reflects on the importance of understanding and engaging with people from different perspectives, even if they hold opposing political beliefs. They highlight the significance of focused listening and practicing conversations as essential skills for fostering understanding and unity in society.
30:00 They suggest that engaging in conversations with others could be more beneficial than protesting or organizing, as it allows for meaningful dialogue rather than feeling like shouting into the void. And they express hope that their conversation may lead to further discussions and exchanges of ideas.
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Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
1:00 They discuss the significance of the arts in facilitating free speech and expression.
5:00 They delve into the complexities of humor and artistic expression in navigating sensitive topics.
8:00 They ponder the concept of censorship in theater, admitting uncertainty about its bounds as they haven't experienced it firsthand. However, they suggest that modern theater may offer more freedom for marginalized voices to share their stories.
10:00 They discuss how individuals edit the information they consume, choosing which ideas to allow themselves to engage with. This selective intake of information, influenced by the online dialogue regarding the validity of certain facts and perspectives, is seen as a form of censorship in the modern era.
13:00 Dena suggests that this lack of recognition of what it takes to acquire knowledge contributes to the difficulty in establishing facts. Despite these challenges, she finds value in engaging people in conversation to collate diverse opinions and perspectives on topics like censorship.
16:00 They highlight the value of collective engagement in fostering a sense of unity and collaboration, whether in a theatrical performance or an educational setting.
19:00 They draw parallels between engaging in conversation and sharing an experience in theater, both involving the idea of coming together to exchange viewpoints and connect on a deeper level.
22:00 They explore the difference between being involved in an experience versus merely observing it, and highlight the freedom and lack of defense associated with being a viewer rather than an active participant.
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Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
1:00 They discuss a recent revisitation of a censorship project in light of challenges faced on American campuses. Malka encounters a family member who mentioned students leaving Brooklyn College due to feeling attacked during Palestinian demonstrations, highlighting the diversity of perspectives and experiences among students.
5:00 They discuss the lack of genuine listening and the prevalence of posturing and defensiveness in conversations, both among students and faculty.
10:00 They discuss the issue of feeling unsafe in discussions, particularly regarding tensions between different perspectives.
14:00 They discuss the balance between academic freedom and maintaining a safe learning environment. There's a consideration of where the line is drawn between free expression and feeling unsafe on campus, concerning CUNY's Henderson Rules.
16:00 They discuss the discomfort often associated with new ideas and the challenge of fostering open-mindedness in students. While acknowledging the importance of broadening perspectives and encouraging students to articulate diverse viewpoints, there's concern about the prevalence of self-censorship and entrenched beliefs.
19:00 There's recognition of the complexity of discussing sensitive topics, such as Israel and Gaza, in the classroom, which can trigger emotions and open discussions about other traumas, such as those experienced by black women. The conversation highlights the challenge of navigating discussions around various social issues and the need for sensitivity and inclusivity in classroom dialogue.
Support the show
Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
Support the show
Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
Timestamps:
Support the show
Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc
The podcast currently has 129 episodes available.