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Originally Posted by pbradley
And in each case, I would argue that the sum body of theory in those times was also neurotic from an outside prospective.
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well, sure--- the hatred of michelangelo for his patron the pope was legendary-- naked bodies on the sistine chapel-- the horror!-- socrates being forced to drink hemlock-- etc-- sure, art science and philosophy have always been "neurotic", but also "honorific", i.e., "my stable of great minds is bigger than yours"
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Originally Posted by pbradley
Indeed, I believe that one needs to detach oneself from reality in order to reconsider and represent the world in a new, relevant understanding. It's not so much that intellectuality *improves* humanity but, I think, that humanity requires intellectuality.
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well, sure, we'd be living in caves otherwise.
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Originally Posted by pbradley
If intellectualism is so connected to wealth, as you say and I don't doubt, does this make the case that an era of poverty is less "bullshit" and then better that regard? I don't think so.
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neither do i! i think i'm not being clear here-- you seem to think that i believe that all intellectual activity is bullshit-- that's not what i meant at all.
i do think that legions of academics in recent decades have indulged in excesses brought about by the mindless following of intellectual fashions, and thus lost a good amount of influence and relevance in society at large.
i'm not throwing out the baby with the bathwater though. I know in spite of the overabundance of shit disciplines there is some great work happening in places, necessary work, important work, which unfortunately is being obscured by the charlatans.
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Originally Posted by pbradley
I've never lived in a dark age but I think the lack of artists, philosophers, writers, and thinkers (or, rather, lack of their presence in society as they are there, just not funded) leads to confusion, dejection, and dogma.
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we've lived through the bush presidency; and a future of sarah palin and fox news is as close to the dark ages as i can imagine, so yes,
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Originally Posted by pbradley
So, in my largely unqualified opinion, I don't think critical theory is responsible for this in anyway exceptional.
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critical theory is responsible for losing the support of its patrons, whoever they were. perhaps retaining that support would have required a betrayal of its own principles, perhaps the loss of support was deserved, perhaps whatever critical theory does is not relevant to its receiving patronage or support-- i am not qualified either but as the saying goes, it takes two to tango, so i'm going to say it's not just "them" that fucked up and it's time for academia to do some soul searching (i meant to respond to demonrail's post about the arts but i'm running out of time).
look, demonrail's original blog link (necessary agitation) points out to this:
"Many have already rightly spoken in outrage that Middlesex’s renowned philosophy department is to be closed. The department is the home of our finest hub of continental philosophy and political theory in the UK. During the recent Haiti quake, Professor Peter Hallward was the number one commentator from a critical perspective in the news, reminding the viewers of both the history of U.S. intervention and disempowerment of the people by multinational agencies such as the UN. "
You see the Haiti quake comes up first? It's how they say "we are relevant to society". It's true, but I'm thinking-- too little, too late. In this day and age the humanities need good PR very badly, because "Joe the Plumber" doesn't think they are important. And neither that John McSame, who decried the use of science to... save money! (see: bear DNA study). Yeah, basic science gets fucked in the ass by dunces too, it's not just the humanities
Anyway, gotta go make dinner but I DONT HATE THE HUMANITIES. i do feel betrayed by academia though.