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, where I explore these ideas in greater depth.

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," 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 by Molly Farneth
• Hegel's Social Ethics: Religion, Conflict, and Rituals of Reconciliation 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

In Episode 15, Jeffrey delves into the Emersonian theodicy and pragmatism, two philosophical ideas that offer a fresh perspective on individualism, community, and the challenges of modern capitalism. Drawing on the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson and other influential thinkers, the episode explores the nexus between personal virtue and social responsibility, critiquing neoliberal ideologies and Silicon Valley's extractive culture. Through a dialogue on shared values, responsibility, and the pursuit of truth, this episode aims to revive virtues that foster a more compassionate and flourishing society.

Topics Covered:

1. Emersonian Theodicy and Its Principles
2. Pragmatism as a Philosophical Approach
3. Individualism and Community Responsibility
4. Critique of Neo-Liberalism and Silicon Valley's Culture
5. Virtues of Self-Reliance, Integrity, Empathy, and Social Responsibility
6. The Dichotomy between Modern Capitalism and Virtue Ethics
7. Envisioning a Creative Democracy
8. The Role of Narrative and Moral Development in Society
9. Engaging with Community and Enlarging Participation

Books Discussed:

1. The American Evasion of Philosophy by Dr. Cornel West
2. Regime Change: Toward a Post-Liberal Future by Patrick Deneen
3. The Tyranny of Merit: What's Become of the Common Good by Michael Sandel

Further Info:

• Contact: revivingvirtue@gmail.com
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony
• Bookshop page with list of all books discussed across all episodes