Great stuff as always, Professor Hicks. I was recently learning about the German contemporary philosopher Peter Sloterdijk, and his critique of cynical reason, and I found myself wondering what you thought about it. That would make a great video!
Had a second listen to this today. Was reminded of a Joke that Zizek tells. The joke is set in a synagogue, but it's clear that it's 'white liberals' who are the target, not Jews. First, the town Berger steps up and cries out 'oh god, before you I am nothing! I am but a speck of dust, before your greatness'. Then the police commissioner gets up and says the same 'I am nothing god... My achievements are nothing in your eyes". Then the guy who cleans the toilets gets up and says 'oh god, I am nothing...' At this point, the police commissioner gently elbows the Berger, and says 'he's not nothing -we're nothing'. The point is that when people like thus say we can't judge other cultures, but we can judge our own, they are in fact elevating themselves and their culture to a higher level - and infantalising people of other cultures, who are not presented as full moral agents.
This channel is phenomenal. Your work is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Great stuff as always, Professor Hicks. I was recently learning about the German contemporary philosopher Peter Sloterdijk, and his critique of cynical reason, and I found myself wondering what you thought about it. That would make a great video!
I picked up this book last month look forward to it. Thanks Dr
Had a second listen to this today.
Was reminded of a Joke that Zizek tells. The joke is set in a synagogue, but it's clear that it's 'white liberals' who are the target, not Jews.
First, the town Berger steps up and cries out 'oh god, before you I am nothing! I am but a speck of dust, before your greatness'.
Then the police commissioner gets up and says the same 'I am nothing god... My achievements are nothing in your eyes".
Then the guy who cleans the toilets gets up and says 'oh god, I am nothing...'
At this point, the police commissioner gently elbows the Berger, and says 'he's not nothing -we're nothing'.
The point is that when people like thus say we can't judge other cultures, but we can judge our own, they are in fact elevating themselves and their culture to a higher level - and infantalising people of other cultures, who are not presented as full moral agents.
I really had to laugh when you started covering Benedict's assessment of US culture. Just another brick in the wall. :-)