“The rule proves nothing; the exception proves everything.” - Carl Schmitt.

This week on The Lightning Podcast, join Cyrus Palizban, Zohar Atkins and Nicolas Sarian as we take a deep dive into the philosophy of Carl Schmitt, a controversial 20th-century German legal philosopher, known for his theories on politics, law, and their relationship with theology. Zohar and Nico debate Schmitt's concept of the 'sovereign', the idea of decisionism, and the notion of miracles or exceptions to guide one's life. This episode is a discussion of brilliant but controversial thinkers, their impacts, and the lessons that can be taken from them.

00:01 Introduction to the Podcast

00:22 Exploring Carl Schmitt's Philosophy

03:56 Understanding Political Theology

07:39 The Role of Theology in Politics

07:53 The Concept of Sovereignty

08:42 The Exception and the Rule

09:10 Theological Interpretation of Miracles

09:49 Critique and Alternatives to Schmitt's View

12:54 Political Theology in Contemporary Context

18:23 Personal Implications of Schmitt's Philosophy

23:18 The Role of Decisionism in Politics

28:48 The Challenge of Governance and Power

39:35 Schmitt as a Continuation of Hobbes

40:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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