Philosophy

Sara Ahmed and the Joys of Killjoy Feminism

Sara Ahmed and the Joys of Killjoy Feminism Sara Ahmed and the Joys of Killjoy Feminism

To be a feminist killjoy means celebrating a different kind of joy, the joy that comes from doing critical damage to what damages so much of the world.

Feb 21, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Judith Butler

Wendy Brown: A Conversation on Our “Nihilistic” Age

Wendy Brown: A Conversation on Our “Nihilistic” Age Wendy Brown: A Conversation on Our “Nihilistic” Age

The Nation spoke with the political theorist about the multifront crisis of the post-Trump era and the moral and intellectual commitments of scholars and higher education.

Jan 10, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins

How Did Marxism Become Marxism?

How Did Marxism Become Marxism? How Did Marxism Become Marxism?

A new book examines a set of thinkers and activists who helped transform a set of radical ideas into a political tradition.

Dec 11, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Peter E. Gordon

“Melancholy,” Edvard Munch, 1895.

Søren Kierkegaard Dared to Ask Søren Kierkegaard Dared to Ask

In The Sickness Unto Death, the Danish philosopher posed a difficult question: Is despair an essential feature of human life?

Nov 29, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Clare Carlisle

What Can We Learn From the History of Utopianism?

What Can We Learn From the History of Utopianism? What Can We Learn From the History of Utopianism?

Books & the Arts / October 3, 2023 The Good Life What can we learn from the history of utopianism? What Can We Learn From the History of Utopianism? In Everyday Utopias, Kr…

Oct 3, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Emily Raboteau

Walter Benjamin, by Joe Ciardiello.

Walter Benjamin’s Radio Years Walter Benjamin’s Radio Years

After the faculty of philosophy in Frankfurt rejected his dissertation and dashed his hopes for an academic career, the Marxist critic found work as a radio broadcaster. 

Aug 8, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Peter E. Gordon

Alasdair MacIntyre and Richard Rorty’s Lifelong Argument

Alasdair MacIntyre and Richard Rorty’s Lifelong Argument Alasdair MacIntyre and Richard Rorty’s Lifelong Argument

While in many ways their careers ran parallel to each other, the two philosophers disagreed about whether liberalism could—and should—be saved.

May 2, 2023 / Books & the Arts / George Scialabba

What Are Rules For?

What Are Rules For? What Are Rules For?

A conversation with historian Lorraine Daston about her recent book on the history of rules and how they have structured life across centuries.

May 23, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Ishan Desai-Geller

Was the True Meaning of Capitalism Forgotten?

Was the True Meaning of Capitalism Forgotten? Was the True Meaning of Capitalism Forgotten?

A conversation with historian Michael Sonenscher about the tricky task of defining capitalism and his new book, Capitalism: The Story Behind the Word. 

Jan 18, 2023 / Books & the Arts / Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins

A black and white photo of a young Hannah Arendt lounging.

Hannah Arendt Was Really a Prophet Against Conformity Hannah Arendt Was Really a Prophet Against Conformity

To the question of how totalitarian methods could ever draw the compliance of free citizens, she replied: through the enchantment of success.

Jan 9, 2023 / Column / David Bromwich

x