Podcast Summary
A New Secular Religion: Secular Puritanism: Secular Puritanism is a new form of religion characterized by an obsession with moral purity based on race and gender, rooted in critical theory and leading to identity politics and cancel culture.
We are witnessing the rise of a new secular religion in modern society, a form of secular Puritanism, as argued by Jacob Howland, a retired philosophy professor. This new Puritanism, according to Howland, is characterized by an obsession with moral purity based on views regarding race and gender, and seeks to purge those who don't conform to its prescribed dogma. The philosophical underpinnings of this secular religion can be traced back to critical theory, which contrasts with classical liberalism by viewing people as group members rather than individuals and as abstractions rather than particulars. This perspective leads to identity politics and cancel culture. Howland draws on the works of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, the Hebrew Bible, Kierkegaard, Descartes, Rousseau, Marx, and Hegel to weave together a philosophical roadmap of how we arrived at our current cultural zeitgeist. This new Puritanism can be seen as an attempt to fill an existential void left by the modern tendency to make man the measure of all things, ultimately leaving us feeling spiritually and intellectually empty.
Calvinism's Impact on Modern Concept of Secular Salvation: Calvinism bred self-confident saints, but the quest for certainty continued, leading to the belief that only the wealthy and powerful were truly saved. Today, successful individuals seek salvation through worldly success and social validation, engaging in virtue signaling, and creating tribal echo chambers in the Church of Humanity.
Max Weber's analysis of Calvinism's impact on society sheds light on the modern concept of secular salvation. Weber argued that Calvinism bred self-confident saints, but the quest for certainty continued, leading to the belief that only the wealthy and powerful were truly saved. This resulted in a self-reinforcing social framework. Today, successful, politically progressive individuals, who no longer believe in God, still seek salvation through worldly success and social validation. They commit to socially transformative moral action and seek approval from like-minded people, engaging in what is now called virtue signaling. The Church of Humanity, which values humanity as an object of worship, exhibits purifying impulses, leading to the exclusion of dissenting voices and the creation of tribal echo chambers.
Understanding Critical Theory's origins and goals: Critical theory, rooted in German philosophy, aims to expose and challenge societal mechanisms of oppression, but Horkheimer and Adorno criticized the Enlightenment as a source of further enslavement
Critical theory, originating from German philosophers in the Marxist tradition during the 20s and 30s, aims to identify and eliminate mechanisms of oppression in society, which we may not even realize we're subjected to. Critical theorists, like Horkheimer, view human beings as dominated by social conditions we have created. They believe critical theory is necessary to liberate us from these enslaving circumstances. However, Horkheimer and Adorno, in their book "The Dialectic of Enlightenment," criticized the Enlightenment, which sought to bring people out of the metaphorical "cave" of ignorance and into the light of reality. Instead, they argued that the Enlightenment failed and resulted in even greater enslavement and exploitation through a narrowly instrumental conception of reason. This historical context sheds light on the present-day discussions of critical theory and its application to various forms of inequality.
From economic oppression to recognizing interconnected forms of oppression: Critical theory has evolved from focusing solely on economic oppression to recognizing the interconnected nature of various forms of oppression based on different aspects of an individual's identity.
Critical theory, which originated from the Frankfurt School and had its roots in Marxist ideas, has evolved over the decades from primarily focusing on economic oppression to recognizing the interconnected nature of various forms of oppression based on different aspects of an individual's identity. Marx, who is considered the grandfather of critical theory, saw history as a problem with a scientific solution and believed that communism was the answer. His analysis of the relations of production influenced critical theory's shift towards understanding power dynamics beyond just economics. Today, critical theory and intersectionality expand on this foundation by examining how multiple dimensions of identity, such as race, gender, and class, intersect to create complex structures of privilege and oppression.
Modern intellectual shift: From conforming to nature to remaking it: Modern thinkers aimed to remake the world according to human needs and desires, leading to advancements in technology and a more abstract view of the world.
The modern intellectual shift, as exemplified by philosophers like Descartes, marked a significant departure from pre-modern ways of thinking. Pre-modern thinkers recognized the natural order of the world and sought to conform to it, whereas modern thinkers aimed to remake the world according to human needs and desires. Descartes' idea of mastering nature through mathematical science led to the development of technology and a more abstract, mathematical view of the world. This shift from seeing the world as a rich, animated cosmos to a cold, empty space marked a fundamental change in our experience and relationship to the world.
Approaches to Reason: Descartes vs. Critical Theorists: Descartes and critical theorists valued human reason, but Descartes focused on mastering nature, leading to 'prosthetic gods,' while critical theorists applied it to social issues, treating individuals as part of a collective.
Both Descartes and critical theorists believed in the power of human reason to solve problems, but they approached it differently. Descartes focused on mastering nature through abstraction, leading to the idea of humans as "prosthetic gods." Critical theorists, on the other hand, applied this approach to social issues, treating individuals as part of a collective to solve larger-scale problems. Liberalism, with its emphasis on individual freedom and dignity, presents a contrasting perspective. While all these philosophies have influenced modern thought, understanding their differences can provide valuable insights into various approaches to understanding and addressing societal issues.
Liberalism vs. Critical Theory: Balancing Individual Freedom and Group Equality: While liberalism focuses on individual freedom and pursuit of happiness, critical theory prioritizes group equality. Distinguish between equality of opportunity and outcome, and beware of policies that prioritize the latter, as they can hinder individual merit and freedom.
Liberalism and critical theory hold contrasting views on the importance of individual freedom and group equality. Liberalism emphasizes the individual's right to pursue happiness and flourish, while critical theory prioritizes ensuring equal standing for groups, viewing society as a zero-sum competition. It's crucial to distinguish between equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. The former, which the founders advocated, is essential, while the latter can lead to problematic policies. For instance, demanding a specific representation of groups in workplaces can hinder individual merit and freedom. The liberal idea, as expressed by authors like Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Vasily Grossman, values the individual's unique identity and the right to live differently, making it the true purpose of life, not just a means to an end.
The Role of Education in Political Thought: Founders believed an educated populace could govern effectively, while Rousseau saw society as the corrupter, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping individuals and society.
Education plays a crucial role in shaping good leaders and effective governance. From the perspective of the founders, an educated populace, capable of critical thinking and well-versed in the classics, could collectively set a course for society through debate and discussion. Contrastingly, Rousseau argued that humans are inherently good but corrupted by society, suggesting that societal issues could be addressed by deconstructing and reconstructing it. Both perspectives underscore the significance of education and individual potential in political thought.
Two contrasting alternatives for society in Rousseau's philosophy: Rousseau's ideas influenced revolutionary movements, showcasing the power of collective identity and potential risks of extreme ideologies
Rousseau's philosophy presents two contrasting alternatives for society: returning to a simple, primitive lifestyle or creating a highly regulated, totalitarian state. These ideas, inspired by Rousseau's belief in collective identity over individual worth, influenced revolutionary movements such as the French Revolution, which aimed to destroy existing structures and start anew. This concept of destroying the old to build a new society is a modern idea that can be seen in various revolutionary movements, including Islamic Jihadism, and totalitarian regimes like fascism and communism. Rousseau's work highlights the power of collective identity and the potential consequences of implementing extreme ideologies.
Philosophical Ideas for Ideal Societies: Despite philosophers' proposals for ideal societies, the complexities of human life and challenges of central planning have hindered their realization. Instead, we continue to seek recognition, respect, and satisfaction in relationships, balancing individuality and equality within a collective.
Throughout history, philosophers have proposed various ideas for ideal societies, from Marx's communist society to Rousseau's collective living, and even Descartes' belief in the fundamental importance of economic science. However, the organic nature of human life and the inherent challenges of central planning have made it difficult to achieve these utopian visions. Hegel's idea of resolving conflicts through contrast and synthesis has not led to a definitive solution. Instead, human beings continue to seek recognition, respect, and satisfaction in their relationships with each other, recognizing the importance of individuality and equality within a collective. Ultimately, understanding the historical context and philosophical ideas behind these concepts can help us appreciate the complexities of human society and the ongoing search for a fulfilling way of life.
Recognizing human fallibility and mutual respect: Focusing solely on recognition and respect can lead to idolatry, where humanity becomes the measure of all things, and transcendence becomes impossible. Human measures are always changing, leading to chaos. Instead, we should strive for a balance between recognizing human fallibility and seeking transcendence.
According to Hegel, achieving mutual respect and recognition between individuals requires moving beyond social contexts and recognizing human fallibility. However, focusing solely on recognition and respect can lead to idolatry, where humanity becomes the measure of all things, and transcendence becomes impossible. This perspective is problematic as human measures are always changing, leading to chaos. Critics argue that this elevation of humanity to a divine status is biblically speaking, idolatry, which removes the possibility of transcendence and access to truth beyond our everyday existence. This can be seen in the context of critical theory, which views human beings as objects of adoration and focuses on changing societal structures based on identity. This perspective, while important, may not fundamentally satisfy the human need for transcendence and a connection to something greater than ourselves.
Secular Puritanism vs. Christianity: Valuing Individuals and Social Equality: Secular puritanism abstracts from individual humanity, leading to power struggles and disregard for worth. Christianity values individuals, recognizing inherent dignity. Balance is key in recognizing worth and achieving social equality.
The Church of Humanity, as a form of secular puritanism, abstracts from individual humanity to focus on the concept of humanity as a whole. This approach, influenced by critical theory, divides people into groups based on identity and can lead to power struggles and a disregard for individual worth. Contrarily, Christianity, with its emphasis on the incarnation, values the individual and recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of every person. The liberal perspective, while addressing issues of power and equality, can also eclipse other concerns and lead to uniformity and a potential tyranny of the majority. Ultimately, it's crucial to balance the recognition of the inherent worth of individuals with the need for social equality and understanding.
Socrates as an outsider and the rise of moral relativism: The absence of a transcendent standard or higher purpose can lead to moral relativism and a lack of fulfillment in life
Socrates, much like in modern times, was seen as an outsider or "out of place" by his accusers, who sought to scapegoat him for societal issues. The sophists, who advised people on how to navigate different cultural norms, can be seen as a precursor to moral relativism. However, without a transcendent standard or higher purpose, individuals may find themselves spiritually and intellectually empty, leading to dissatisfaction and a potential transfer of religious devotion to secular causes. In essence, the absence of a larger, eternal good can result in moral relativism and a lack of fulfillment in life.
The Search for Something Greater: Modern thinking and democratic equality can lead to dangerous ideologies, embracing human complexity and uniqueness fosters deeper spiritual and intellectual growth.
Humans have an innate desire to connect with something greater than themselves, leading to the formation of articles of faith and philosophical systems. However, these substitutes for the transcendent can result in disappointment and even dangerous ideologies, such as fascism and communism. Philosophers like Heidegger and Kierkegaard warned against the dangers of modern thinking and democratic equality leading to a leveling process that destroys organic communities and individuality. Instead, embracing the complexity and uniqueness of human existence can lead to a deeper spiritual and intellectual nourishment.
The potential for destruction in modernity and capitalism: Modernity and capitalism can lead to the destruction of traditional communities and the homogenization of humanity, with potential for destructive forces to emerge in the name of a higher good. Awareness of this potential is crucial to prevent harm.
Modernity and capitalism, as forces of change, can lead to the destruction of traditional communities and the homogenization of humanity. Philosophers like Kierkegaard and Dostoevsky predicted this "spontaneous combustion of the human race," a potential for destructive forces to emerge in the name of a higher good. This understanding of human nature and its potential for both good and evil is a key aspect of philosophy, as theorized by medieval philosopher Al-Farabi and the Jewish philosopher Maimonides. These predictions have been tragically realized throughout history, particularly in the contexts of totalitarian regimes. Modern technology amplifies this potential for leveling and destruction, making it essential to be aware of the potential for good intentions to lead to harm.
Exploring the Foundations of Knowledge through Classic Books in Philosophy, Western Literature, History, and Science: Engaging with classic books in philosophy, Western literature, history, and science provides a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding necessary to navigate the complexities of life. Tradition and preservation of these classics serve as compass points for orientation.
In today's rapidly changing world, it's essential to have a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding to navigate the complexities of life. Jacob Halland, a retired professor from the University of Tulsa, believes that the study of philosophy, Western literature, history, and science can provide this foundation. He emphasizes the importance of tradition and the preservation of classic books as compass points for orientation. Halland's website, jacobhowland1word.com, offers resources for those interested in exploring these ideas further. By engaging with the best that has been thought and created throughout history, individuals can gain the wisdom and perspective needed to thrive in an uncertain world.
