From Enlightenment Critiques to Modern Political Disappointments: Chris Cutrone and Spencer Leonard on Platypus Affiliated Society's Origins

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Chris Cutrone and Spencer Leonard are two of the founding and early members of the Platypus Affiliated Society.  What do the origins of the Platypus Affiliated Society, postmodernism's influence on Marxism, and the current state of the left have in common? Join us as we delve into these topics and more with Chris and Spencer, two of the three founders of Platypus. Their fascinating journey began with a request to intervene at a 2006 SWP UK Marxism Conference, and their friendship and intellectual connections have continued to shape their political philosophies since then.

From the generational chasm between Gen X and Millennial Leftists to examining how postmodernism serves as a critique of the Enlightenment, our conversation covers a wide range of thought-provoking topics. We also discuss the controversial teaching of Foucault in universities, the impact of David Harvey's Condition of Modernity, Hardt and Negri's Empire, and Moishe Postone's Time, Labor and Social Domination course.

As Chris and Spencer share their unique perspectives on the paths that led them into the Platypus organization, the influences of their undergraduate and graduate school experiences, and their exposure to different political ideologies, we gain a fresh understanding of the current state of the left. We also explore the impact of the Trump era on the DSA and Sanders left, and the role of political disappointments in shaping the politics of a new generation. Don't miss this engaging and insightful episode!

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Host: C. Derick Varn
Audio Producer: Paul Channel Strip  ( @aufhebenkultur )
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles

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Crew:
Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

Links and Social Media:
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blue sky: @varnvlog.bsky.social
You can find the additional streams on Youtube

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