Reviving Virtue: Pragmatism and Perspective in Modern Times Jeffrey Anthony

In this episode, I explore the complex relationship between meritocracy, credentialism, and the rise of Trumpism in the United States. Using Alicia Keys' Super Bowl halftime performance and the elites' reaction to it as a starting point, I delve into how the ideals of perfectionism and meritocracy have created a cultural divide that fuels resentment and disillusionment among a large portion of the American population.

I examine the historical and philosophical roots of these issues, tracing the origins of the modern meritocratic worldview back to the Protestant Reformation and the rise of capitalism. I discuss how this shift in thinking has led to a society that places immense value on individual achievement and success, often at the expense of acknowledging the role of luck, privilege, and systemic factors.

I argue that this meritocratic ethos, combined with the concept of credentialism, has left many Americans feeling left behind and resentful of the elites who seem to benefit from this system. I suggest that this resentment has created a fertile ground for the rise of Trumpism, which offers a voice to those who feel disenfranchised and ignored by the dominant narrative of meritocracy.

Throughout the video, I draw on the works of various scholars and thinkers, including Michael Sandel, Max Weber, Jackson Lears, and Wendell Berry, to support my analysis and provide a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

Here is a link to my article on Medium [https://medium.com/@revivingvirtue/when-did-we-lose-the-right-to-be-imperfect-68e179186a1f?sk=5e0765ac02bf0e825596c1d5522acdd1], where I explore these ideas in greater depth.

IN this episode cross posted on Youtube, I share an article I recently published on Medium about the intersection of AI and music. I lay out the philosophical implications of generative AI and the disassembly of music into modular components for capital circulation and its implications on artistic expression and freedom. I argue for the importance of preserving authentic, embodied musical experiences and the role of genuine musical communities in safeguarding the transformative power of music.  Drawing on the works of philosophers such as Peter Sloterdijk, Anna Kornbluh, Hartmut Rosa, and others, I explore the concept of primordial resonance and how nurturing contextualized, embodied musical spaces is crucial for maintaining the vital link between our primal musical enchantments and the public sphere. Join me as I delve into why these spaces, where freedom takes root, are essential for reclaiming the intimate, individualized experience of hearing that is so fundamental to our well-being and the future of music in the age of AI.  

* Jessica Powell's article on Ai and Music: https://trapital.co/2024/03/08/is-generative-music-really-the-next-napster/
* The Article: https://medium.com/@revivingvirtue/the-transparent-artist-music-in-the-age-of-ai-disassembly-8663e5013ecd  
* The eariler referenced article on AI as style engines: https://medium.com/@revivingvirtue/ais-lone-banana-problem-art-ontology-and-the-unseen-threat-21f6ea2be377

In this episode of 'Reviving Virtue,' we scrutinize John Dewey's political and social philosophy, specifically focusing on his idea of democracy as a way of life and its profound implications on our societal structures. We examine his unique approach to democracy as an interactional and communicative process, as well as exploring the importance of habit and impulse in democratic engagements. Dewey's critique of American philosophy and his call for its reformation is also covered. Join us as we delve into his ideas on creative actions' potential to initiate societal transformation and how we, as a society, can navigate the crossroads of democracy we currently face.

Link to the book with the chapter explored: 

Reading Dewey: Interpretations for a Postmodern Generation [https://iupress.org/9780253211798/reading-dewey/] – Chapter 5. "Dewey's Social and Political Philosophy" by John Stuhr

Contact:
revivingvirtue@gmail.com

In this episode of Reviving Virtue, host Jeffrey Anthony engages Dr. Molly Farneth in a rigorous dialogue exploring the multifaceted connections between rituals, virtues, and democratic communal life. Dr. Farneth, author of "The Politics of Ritual [https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780691198927]," elucidates the transformative potential of rituals for shaping social norms, articulating community values, and nurturing democratic citizenship. From the paradigm-shifting case of the Philadelphia 11 to the application of Hegelian social ethics, and even touching upon the cultural phenomenon of Taylor Swift, this conversation provides a nuanced investigation into the capacity of rituals and habits to rejuvenate our democratic ethos.

Books Discussed:

* The Politics of Ritual [https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780691198927] by Molly Farneth
* Hegel's Social Ethics: Religion, Conflict, and Rituals of Reconciliation [https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780691203119] by Molly Farneth

Topics Covered:

* The importance of rituals in shaping social norms
* Hegel's social ethics: Recognition and Reconciliation
* The Philadelphia 11: A case study in ritual and social change
* American Democracy and the Struggle for Recognition
* Habits, Virtues, and their Role in Democratic Life
* Rituals and Creativity
* The Role of Emotions and Responsibility in Public Rituals
* Taylor Swift and Collective Effervescence: A cultural phenomenon

Contact: revivingvirtue@gmail.com

Music by Jeffrey Anthony

I explore the critique John Dewey presents at the end of Chapter 4 of 'Human Nature and Conduct,' specifically targeting Henri Bergson's concept of élan vital. This video delves into Dewey's alternative philosophy based on 'intelligent habit,' offering a nuanced critique of Bergson's transcendental ideas through the pragmatic lens of Deweyan thought.

YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-S-86YcDfV94_u2i1qlYbQ]

Music By Jeffrey Anthony [https://open.spotify.com/album/1Q9wJCeuUa3wrHrKKtsTFW?si=XtvcnSDjTJCesUEMHaxQTA] 

Books:

* Human Nature and Conduct [https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780809328048] by John Dewey 
* Creative Evolution [https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780486400365] by Henri Bergson

Contact:

revivingvirtue@gmail.com

In this episode of Reviving Virtue, I explore the complex interplay between economics, morality, and violence in contemporary American society. Drawing on the philosophies of John Dewey and the hyper-reality of today's multinational firms, I reflect on the moral consequences of their actions and the seeming inevitability of societal anger and violence. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and ethical inquiry, the episode invites listeners to consider how we might challenge the status quo, imbue our culture with new vocabulary, and recognize the social construction of economics as a path to a more harmonious future.

Topics Discussed:

* The philosophical insights of John Dewey
* The moral responsibility of multinational firms
* Socially constructed nature of economics
* The role of politicians as magnets for public anger
* Increasing violence in contemporary America
* The need for new educational narratives and cultural guidance
* Personal reflections on touring and experiencing violence

Books Discussed:

* Human Nature and Conduct [https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780809328093] by John Dewey

Contact:

* revivingvirtue@gmail.com
* Music by Jeffrey Anthony [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fVmD7pjo4nMgYbSADFlVx?si=UdFcihTmSLC0Az96Noqg3w]
* YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-S-86YcDfV94_u2i1qlYbQ]