Quixotic Musings

In a conversation that in some way draws many of our previously discussed themes to a point, James Tunney and I consider the manner in which contemporary modes of culture and technology are driving us not merely to a diminuition of thinking, but, perhaps even its loss altogether. Please check out James' work here: https://www.jamestunney.com/

In an opening discussion, WD James and I discuss elements of the Western Tradition that loosely constitute what could be termed "Egalitarian Anti-Modernism": Building upon and expanding on aspects of his ongoing essay series at Winter Oak, and WD's substack, Philosopher's Holler, themes we explore include aspects of Plato's 'Republic', the debate between Realism and Nominalism, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and even a bit of Shakespeare. Do watch and enjoy! WD James' work can be found both at his Substack, and at Winter Oak, the links to which are here: https://wdjames.substack.com/ https://winteroak.org.uk/

In another conversation with James Tunney, we take up the question of how relevant the distinction between the political Left and Right are, exploring whether its function is merely propagandist in quality. In turn, we scrutinize whether it is connected to deeper cultural currents, and how we are to relate to them....

In a sequel conversation with Eric Coppolino of Planet Waves FM and Chiron Return, we begin considering the degraded state of journalism in the wake of digital's ascendency, and move over the course of the conversation to reflections upon the importance of embodiment and embodied relationship as an antidote to the dilemmas of the present. Here is the link to Eric's work on Poormina Wagh, that we discuss at a certain length in our chat: https://planetwaves.fm/the-imposter-poornima-wagh-and-the-need-for-standards-and-practices-in-new-media/ Also, check out the following: https://planetwaves.fm/ https://chironreturn.org/ And, Eric's substack, here: https://planetwaves.substack.com/

In another ranging conversation with James Tunney, we survey the curiously mythological dimensions of the scientific project as prologue to considering the symbolism of the skull, the implications of Golgotha, and how these things ramify for our relationship to the technological.
James Tunney's work can be found here:

https://www.jamestunney.com/art-works

In a conversation with the fierce and gracious Eleanor Goldfield, we consider some of the themes of her latest film, "To The Trees", which documents the defense of the Redwood forests against the encroaching destruction of development and lumber companies. Numerous are the points along the way, leading to a surprising coda, which is a reflection on the role of literacy, and deep literacy in precipitating the shifts in consciousness and culture vital to entering upon a fuller future. Please support the film here: https://tothetreesfilm.com/ And, Eleanor's own efforts more generally here: https://artkillingapathy.com/

In our third in a series of conversations with James Tunney, we examine the double-edged archetype of the Prince, how its character is transposed, initially by Machiavelli near the dawn of Modernity, and then later with such more recent figures as Antonio Gramsci or H.G. Wells. Along the way, various signposts, and reflections on the nature of the digital, scientocracy, and a reconnection with the spiritual as an antidote to the problems which beset us. James' work can be found here: https://www.jamestunney.com/

In this conversation, we begin with a consideration of how the digital informs and perhaps even does violence to our sense of time, appealing to the thought of Henri Bergson. As the chat unfolds, we turn also to Martin Heidegger, and additionally, to reflections upon death and being towards death as component to life itself. Richard Polt's rich and diverse work can be found amongst other places here: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/ and here: https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/

Going a bit further back in focus than some of our more recent conversations, in this chat with Dr. Timothy Sean Quinn we explore the metaphysical commitments upon which Machiavelli formulates a political vision which both departed from that of his predecessors and which formed the framing and justification of the scientific project, both by Francis Bacon, and by Rene Descartes.

Beginning with some introductory remarks by David Katz where he introduces his thesis that aging is an adaptive trait of the evolutionary process, we then transition to a discussion of whether the cessation of aging or death is an advisable course of action. David avers that it is ultimately a worthy goal, whereas I contend it is deeply unwise. Some of David's efforts in this connection can be found at his website, here: https://www.curing-aging.com/

Another conversation with Johan Eddebo. Beginning with recollections upon the RPG Shadowrunners, and the Cyberpunk genre in general, we consider the subversive intuitions of those thought worlds, and the generation of hope which unfolds in their interstices. Johann's work can be found here: https://shadowrunners.substack.com/ https://shadowrun.fandom.com/wiki/Main_Page

Another installment in this series of reflections with John Steppling, and, here, a new interlocutor, Brett Ramsey, we consider what is the theatre in fundamental, even philosophical terms, distinguishing it from mere spectacle. Along the way a number of considerations... what is the actor performing, what is the actor, what is the relation of the theatre to the human, and how is contemporary society hostile, even diametrically opposed to the the practice of theatre... John's blog can be found here, along with links to his conversations at Aesthetic Resistance: https://john-steppling.com/contact/

A ranging chat with the inimitable Kamal Southall, probing some historical details at the background of Scientocracy's emergence. Topics include the Macy Conferences, the Ratio Club, the Five Eyes and more....