Are we truly living in uncertain times?
Notes de l’épisode
Writer Natasha Lennard shares why we aren't living in uncertain times. In her new book, Natasha explains that we should consider changing what we're certain about.
What I discuss with Natasha Lennard:
- Natasha's Inspiration for the book. Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein's thinking around certainty, doubt, and knowledge were a good fit for approaching the present "sites of struggle" like on-going war in Palestine, border security, and transgender identity politics. With these sites of struggle, there's a narrative that we live in "uncertain times." Natasha set out to challenge that narrative.
- Why philosophy is useful for political thinking
- The harms that "cis-certiantiy" can cause trans individuals and women. Political fights are often more about "language games" rather than fighting for absolute knowledge let alone caring for individuals and their desire for freedom.
- Why her book isn't for arguing, but rather building something new. Building new certainties is more effective for building power than combating established certainties.
- How pop star Ed Sheeran can be an example for building a new political reality, even if just on a superficial level
- Hopeful lessons from Occupy Wall Street Days
- Natasha talks about the dinosaur on her bookshelf
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