Best Nick Dungey Podcasts (2024)

1
My Freedom, My Rights, and the End of the Social Contract 1:05:24

2+ y ago1:05:24

1:05:24

In the last two years we have seen an explosion in assertion of “absolute freedom” and “absolute rights” in the social and political crisis surrounding vaccines and the government’s authority to mandate vaccines. Throughout the country, people have asserted an irreducible freedom and an unconditional right to “decide” whether to accept the vaccinat…

1
Texas and the Theologico-Political Crisis 55:55

2+ y ago55:55

55:55

"I have longer to please the dead than please the living here." (Sophocles, Antigone). With these chilling words, Antigone sets in motion a Theologico-Political Crisis that will devour the Royal Family of Thebes and shatter the city. The Theologico-Political crisis that constitutes the drama of Sophocles' famous tragedy is a defining condition of W…

1
We Are Back 58:14

2+ y ago58:14

58:14

After an extended break, Walker and Professor Dungey return! In this, "we are back," episode we examine where we are, and identify three main ideas to contextualize what is happening and where we are going. First, we must always remember that democracies are inherently fragile, and sometimes dangerous. Second, we discuss the idea that the legal and…

1
Becoming Mortal Gods and the End of Liberal Democracy 1:31:25

5y ago1:31:25

1:31:25

A critical theme running throughout Modern, and Modern Liberal Political Theory is the recognition of, and consequences that result from, the Death or Displacement of God. Ever since Machiavelli Displaced God from the Cosmos and the Human Mind, it has now become necessary for Human Beings to Create the Moral, Economic, and Political Institutions th…

1
The Age of Acquisition and the Perfection of Inequality 1:18:18

5y ago1:18:18

1:18:18

The Washington Post proclaims: "The GOP Tax Reform is a Scam." As Millions of working and middle class people are discovering that their tax returns are either significantly lower, or, that they actually owe substantial amount of money, they feel conned. And yet, while the recent GOP tax reform does represent one of the largest transfers of wealth …

1
Government Shutdown, Executive Power, and the Coming Authoritarianism 1:04:27

5y ago1:04:27

1:04:27

As the Institutions and Processes of Government continue to falter and breakdown, another Government Shutdowns looms, and the ominous threat of a Declaration of National Emergency darkens the American sky, we investigate what all three of the phenomena have in common, and how they will contribute to the emergence of an Authoritarian Regime. In our …

1
DSU LIVE FB event - Winning the Culture Wars and the End of Liberal Democracy 1:10:47

6y ago1:10:47

1:10:47

In our Fourth, Special DSU Event, we share with you the audio from a DSU Live Event, recorded on October 21, 2017. In this episode, we examine the renewed attempt by powerful groups within American Society and Democracy to ACQUIRE AND EXERCISE POLITICAL POWER FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSERTING A SPECIFIC CLAIM TO THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE. This is …

1
The State of Nature, Social Contract, and Guns 1:10:15

6y ago1:10:15

1:10:15

In the wake of yet another mass shooting that left 17 young people dead at a high school in Parkland, Florida, the nation is once again torn apart by suffering and vicious ideological debate about gun ownership in America. In this episode, "The State of Nature, Social Contract, and Guns," Professor Dungey and Walker approach the issue of guns from …

1
FB1_Chaos as a Political Strategy 1:16:48

6y ago1:16:48

1:16:48

Recently, Donald Trump said he "likes governing by chaos." And, there are many who would say that his administration is chaotic. In this episode, Professor Dungey investigates the philosophical origins and meanings of the idea of Chaos as it emerges in Early Modern Political Theory. What role did the idea of "chaos" play in the early development of…

1
Welcome to the Post-Truth Presidency 1:03:04

6y ago1:03:04

1:03:04

For two years we have been told that the informational, social, and political crisis now unfolding has been set in motion by the emergence of the Post-Truth Language and Thoughts of Trump. Indeed, last year, Chuck Todd declared, "Welcome to the Post-Truth Presidency." In this counter-intuitive episode, Walker and Professor Dungey discuss how this N…

1
DSU LIVE FB Event, recorded 11/11/17 - Boethius, Machiavelli, and Lady Fortuna: The Origins of the Modern Sexual Assault Crisis 1:36:51

6y ago1:36:51

1:36:51

In our Second, Special DSU Event, we share with you the audio from a DSU Live event, recorded on November 11, 2017. In the past two years, the Sexual Assault Crisis has exploded over every facet of our lives. From Entertainment to Politics, to Corporate America, and Sports, the avalanche of stories of sexual abuse, assault, and exploitation have ri…

1
DSU LIVE FB event, recorded 11/2/17 - Collusion, Conspiracy, Trump, and Locke's Account of the Dissolution of Government 57:09

6y ago57:09

57:09

In this SPECIAL DSU Podcast event, we share with you the audio from a DSU LIVE Facebook Event, recorded on November 2, 2017. In this episode, "Collusion, Conspiracy, Trump, and Locke's Account of the Dissolution of Government," we examine Locke's specific examples of when actions taken by a political leader, or one seeking political power, render t…

1
We are thrilled to be back 58:52

6y ago58:52

58:52

After an eight month hiatus, the DSU podcasts are back! In this episode, Walker and Professor Dungey welcome the DSU family and muse about the most significant themes and events that have transpired since April 2017. In this episode we discuss the idea that in the Modern, Liberal Philosophical tradition, democracy is a form of human art, that is it…

1
Living "Life as Art:" The Ana Kasparian Interview 47:02

7y ago47:02

47:02

In our most recent episode: "Living 'Life as Art:' the Ana Kasparian Interview," we revisit our most favorite theme. In a past episode titled, "Life as Art," we raised the question of what it would be like to treat consciousness, meaning, and even life itself as an aesthetic experience. Living life as an artistic process means to find the emotional…

1
Deconstruction of the Administrative State 55:26

7y ago55:26

55:26

In a recent interview, Stephen Bannon, the Chief Advisor and Intellectual Strategist of the Trump Administration, said that the Primary Goal of the Trump Administration is the "Deconstruction of the Administrative State." In our most recent episode, titled, "The Mythology of the 'Deconstruction of Administrative State,'" we examine Bannon's provoca…

1
Informational Tribalism 1:04:44

7y ago1:04:44

1:04:44

Recently, Donald Trump stated: "The Past 'Phony' Jobs Numbers are now 'Very Real.'" In our last episode, "A Very (Brief) History of Truth," we investigated the philosophical meaning of the "Truth" and traced its historical transformation across different philosophical epochs. In our follow-up episode, "The Crisis of Legitimacy of Meaning and the Em…

1
A (Very) Brief History of Truth 57:48

7y ago57:48

57:48

The headlines declare: We live in a Post-Truth world, characterized by Alternative Facts and Fake News. What the hell is going on? In our most recent episode, "A (Very) Brief History of Truth," we discuss the historical origin and philosophical meanings of the idea Truth. In order to try to disentangle what is meant by Post-Truth and alternative fa…

1
Liberal Philosophy, Happiness, and Affluenza Anonymous 1:02:03

7y ago1:02:03

1:02:03

In our most recent episode, "Liberal Philosophy, Happiness, and Affluenza Anonymous," we continue our discussion of the Ancient-Modern debate surrounding the meaning and pursuit of Happiness. In this episode, we investigate the historical and philosophical origins of the Modern, Liberal conception of Happiness and investigate the personal and polit…

1
Locke's Prerogative Power, Trump's Executive Order, and the Appeal to Heaven 39:59

7y ago39:59

39:59

In light of the extraordinary legal, social, and political events of the past week, we return to an examination of Locke's notion of Prerogative Power, The Take Care Clause, and Executive Orders. In addition, we examine Locke's fascinating and terrifying analysis of what happens when there is a potentially irresolvable conflict in the political com…

1
The Great Debate Between Hobbes and Locke Finally Settled? 1:04:36

7+ y ago1:04:36

1:04:36

While Hobbes and Locke are two of the most important thinkers of Modern, Liberal Political Philosophy, they had radically different views about the best sort of regime human beings could create through the Social Contract. According to Hobbes's pessimistic view of human nature, he believed individuals were too vainglorious and ambitious to create, …

1
The Philosophies and Tactics of War and the DAPL Protestors 51:26

7+ y ago51:26

51:26

In our most recent episode, "The Philosophies and Tactics of War and the DAPL Protestors," we examine the recent, alarming events at Standing Rock, North Dakota. Grounding our conversation in Locke's famous warning to all citizens, that if you are not vigilant and on guard against the extraordinary acquisition of power by government, then the day w…

1
Boethius' Philosophy of Happiness and False Happiness 1:14:25

7+ y ago1:14:25

1:14:25

In our Thanks giving episode, "Boethius' Philosophy of Happiness and False Happiness," we explore Boethius' ancient and powerful account of human happiness and fortune. In this episode we investigate Boethius' philosophical and poetic fusion of Platonic philosophy and Stoicism. By identifying Boethius' account of Reason and Fortune, we are given de…

1
Liberal Philosophy, Tolerance, and Where We Go From Here 56:39

7+ y ago56:39

56:39

In our first episode after the most controversial Presidential Election in American History, we return to a discussion of the fundamental and irreconcilable differences that generate Liberal Philosophy and the creation of American Democracy. Intimately connected to the recognition of irreconcilable difference is an understanding of what Tolerance i…

1
Answering the Big Questions 57:25

7+ y ago57:25

57:25

We are living in an existential, social, and political maelstrom. In our most recent episode, we take a step back from the flames and present the audio from our first Dungey State University Facebook Live Event. Here we respond to three critical questions: What can be done on the personal and political level? Where will we be economically and polit…

1
The End of Legitimacy? 55:59

7+ y ago55:59

55:59

During the final Presidential debate, both candidates where asked, once again, if they would accept the outcome of the election. Before 80,000,000 viewers, Donald Trump said, "I'll tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense." Donald Trump made this extraordinary comment because he believes the "Election" is rigged. However, by "Election," Trum…

1
Machiavelli, Public and Private Positions, and Hillary Clinton 59:15

7+ y ago59:15

59:15

In a recently revealed document, Hillary Clinton said to a group of real estate investors, "you need both a public and private position." Earlier in the year, during a highly paid speech for executives at Deutsche Bank, Hillary Clinton said that she dreams of a "hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders." Just last week, speaking …

1
JS Mill's Philosophy of Anxiety and its Role in Personal and Political Transformation 54:36

7+ y ago54:36

54:36

This is the season of Political Anxiety. A recent article in Reuters recommends to Americans anxious about the current political environment to "stop reading the news and take up yoga." While yoga is a wonderful practice, we do not advise Americans to stop reading the news and tune out. In our latest episode, "JS Mill's Philosophy of Anxiety and it…

1
Locke's Philosophy of Law, the State of War, and Wells Fargo 55:02

7+ y ago55:02

55:02

The only separating the State of War from the Political community is the law, and the willingness and ability of the legal and political institutions to enforce it. When individuals or corporations engage in deliberate, on-going, and pervasive criminal activity on a massive scale, and the legal and political institutions are unwilling or unable to …

1
Donald Trump, Guns, and the On-Going Crisis of Political Legitimacy 37:37

7+ y ago37:37

37:37

In a recent speech about the issue of gun ownership in America, Donald Trump said about Hillary Clinton: "I think that her bodyguards should drop all weapons . . . I think they should disarm. Immediately . . . . Let's see what happens to her. Take their guns away . . . . It'll be very dangerous." Trumps comments set off a firestorm of criticism. In…

1
Colin Kaepernick, Martin Luther King, and the Philosophy of Protest and Civil Disobedience 42:52

7+ y ago42:52

42:52

Two weeks ago, Colin Kaepernick decided to "sit-out" the National Anthem. He did so to call attention to, and protest, what he believes to be systemic and institutional racism in American culture and law enforcement. His simple, passive, and non-violent protest ignited a firestorm of controversy and set into motion a national debate over the questi…

1
Requiem for Liberal-Democratic Capitalism 48:36

7+ y ago48:36

48:36

In a recent editorial in the "Financial Times," the eminent British economics writer, Martin Wolf, warned that Liberal Democracy and Capitalism are heading for a cataclysmic rupture! In this episode, "Requiem for Liberal-Democratic Capitalism," we agree with Wolf's assessment, but argue that Mr. Wolf's analysis is at least two years late to the par…

1
Locke, the US Constitution and the New Machiavellian Prince. 54:19

7+ y ago54:19

54:19

In our fourth and final installment of our series on the transition from Liberal Democracy to Authoritarian Democracy, "Locke, the US Constitution and the New Machiavellian Prince." we examine the theoretical and political justifications for the emergence of a completely legitimate, Authoritarian Executive. In this episode we examine Locke's notion…

1
Hobbes and the Democratization of the Prince, 51:55

7+ y ago51:55

51:55

In Part 3, "Hobbes and the Democratization of the Prince," of our on-going series on the transition from Liberal Democracy to Authoritarian Democracy, we explore the way Hobbes agreed with Machiavelli's fundamental observations about human beings and the natural world, but rejected Machiavelli's political solution. In this episode we identify how H…

1
Machiavelli and the DNA of Authoritarian Democracy 1:01:52

7+ y ago1:01:52

1:01:52

In Part 2 of our ongoing series that examines the philosophical origins of, and the reasons for, a possible transition from Liberal Democracy to Authoritarian Democracy, we return to very beginning of Modern and Proto-Liberal political philosophy, Machiavelli and the Great Prince. In this episode, "Machiavelli and the DNA of Authoritarian Democracy…

1
From Liberal Democracy to Authoritarian Democracy 58:17

7+ y ago58:17

58:17

It is commonplace to assume that Democracies and Authoritarian regimes are fundamentally different forms of political orders. It is believed that Democracies and Authoritarian regimes differ in their origins, institutions/processes, and ends. But, is this necessarily the case? Do modern Democracies have more in common with Authoritarian regimes tha…

1
Mill's Philosophy of Free Speech, Radical Democracy, and Trump 52:29

7+ y ago52:29

52:29

In his classic treatise, "On Liberty," JS Mill makes some very powerful claims about free speech and radical democracy. Mill argues that individuals must be absolutely free to express their opinions, no matter how obnoxious, emotionally challenging, or offensive. Only opinions that lead to direct physical harm can legitimately be censored. Mill arg…

1
Locke's Subjectivist Philosophy of Revolution 39:57

8y ago39:57

39:57

In our most recent episode, "Locke's Subjectivist Philosophy of Revolution," Walker and Professor Dungey explore the terrifying and liberating dimensions of Locke's claim that when the decision to revolt comes, there are "no judges on Earth" to declare what is "right" or "wrong." In this controversial, and emotionally and philosophically supercharg…

8y ago1:15:39

1:15:39

Our most recent podcast, "The Implications of the View that Language is Power: Foucault's account of Power and Identity," is Part III in an ongoing series investigating the debate between Orwell's metaphysical account of Language and Human Agency and the emergence of a Nietzschean and Foucaultian account of Language as Power. In this episode, we in…

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