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

Join us for an enlightening dialogue with Dr. Mary Carol Combs, a renowned professor from the University of Arizona, as we delve into the contentious issue of bilingual education in Arizona. The conversation navigates through the intricacies of structured English immersion, the critical role of language in economic development, and the paradox of policies advocating for bilingualism while restricting bilingual education. Listen in as we dissect the complexities of language policy, explore language activism, and contemplate the political clarity required by educators. Our discussion also centers around the potential repercussions for 'noisy' activists and the paradoxes in the conservative approach to education policy. Finally, we reflect on linguistic diversity's immense potential in shaping our collective moral understanding and creative capacities. A central theme of our conversation is the influence and relevance of the work of Paulo Freire, the renowned Brazilian educator and philosopher known for his influential work, 'Pedagogy of the Oppressed.

Books/Papers mentioned:

• "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire
• "Language Activism and Language Policy" by Mary Carol Combs and Susan Penfield.
• "Theatre of the Oppressed" by Augusto Boal

Topics Discussed

• The evolution and criticism of Structured English Immersion in Arizona
• The impact of language policy on economic development
• The counterintuitive benefits of instruction in a child's first language
• The paradox of advocating for bilingualism while restricting bilingual education
• The necessity of political clarity and awareness in teaching
• The tension between local knowledge and overarching policy in education
• The exploration of language activism and its implications
• The impact of conservative policy on educational practices
• The relationship between language diversity and moral understanding
• The practical implementation and challenges of bilingual education in schools

Further Info:

• Contact: revivingvirtue@gmail.com
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony
• Bookshop page: https://bookshop.org/shop/RevivingVirtue

In this episode we explore the intersections of philosophy, economics, and societal norms, guided by the insights of philosophers such as Molly Farneth, Hegel, Aristotle, and John Dewey, as well as contemporary thinkers like Benjamin Studebaker. We explore Studebaker's article "The Catholic Profit of Inequality" from Compact Magazine, examining its critique of wealth disparity from the early Christian era to the present day. Through this exploration, we engage with complex ideas about virtue, morality, societal habits, and the potential for reconciliation in our divided society.

Links to article and Books:

• The Catholic Prophet of Inequality by Benjamin Studebaker
• Hegel’s Social Ethics by Molly Farneth
• The Politics of Ritual by Molly Farneth
• Aristotle: Nicomachean Ethics (Revised)

Topics:

1. Hegel's Influence on Modern Society
2. Aristotle's Virtue Ethics
3. John Dewey's Emphasis on Habits
4. Studebaker's Critique of Wealth Disparity
5. The Role of Economic Conditions
6. The Importance of Recognition and Reconciliation
7. The Impact of Capitalization on Essential Aspects of Life
8. The Role of Rituals in Society
9. The Interplay of Economic Prosperity and Moral Flourishment
10. The Potential of Pragmatism in Bridging Divides

Further Info:

1. Contact: revivingvirtue@gmail.com
2. Music by Jeffrey Anthony
3. Bookshop page: https://bookshop.org/shop/RevivingVirtue

In this episode, we dive into the role of the Federal Reserve, its dual mandate, and the socioeconomic implications of controlling inflation through employment. We explore the concept of aggregates of aggregates, the artificiality of the 2% inflation rate, and draw upon the perspectives of French philosopher Bruno Latour to shed light on how economic measures are influenced by practices, technologies, and social interactions.

Books Discussed:

• We Have Never Been Modern - https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780674948396
• The Tyranny of Merit - https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9781250800060

Further Info:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-S-86YcDfV94_u2i1qlYbQ
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Reviving_Virtue
• Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/RevivingVirtue
• Bookshop page: https://bookshop.org/shop/RevivingVirtue
• Contact: revivingvirtue@gmail.com
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony

In this episode of Reviving Virtue, we delve into a profound discussion with Benjamin Studebaker, author of 'The Chronic Crisis of American Democracy, the Way Is Shut.' The conversation explores the intricate class schema of workers, professionals, and employers, and the antagonism between these classes. Studebaker introduces the concept of 'rump professionals' and 'fallen professionals,' shedding light on the diminishing value of university degrees and the resulting frustrations. The discussion also highlights the role of resentment in politics, and the impact of voter turnout on the political landscape.

The episode further delves into the complexities of the American economic system and the growing resentment among different classes of society. Studebaker emphasizes the need for local narratives that resonate with people across the country and the challenges of the international tax and trade system. The role of fear in political participation is also discussed, offering insights into the dynamics of contemporary politics. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question: "What if we're wrong?" offering a sobering reflection on the potential consequences of our current trajectory.

Topics discussed:

• The state of American democracy
• The role of local narratives in politics
• The impact of the international tax and trade system
• The housing market and its economic implications
• The role of resentment in politics
• The diminishing returns of education
• The concept of 'rump professionals' and 'fallen professionals'
• The impact of voter turnout and participation on politics
• The role of fear in political participation
• The question of being wrong and its implications

Book recommendations:

1. “The Chronic Crisis of American Democracy - The Way Is Shut” by Benjamin Studebaker https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-28210-2
2. “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780553447453
3. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty. https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780674979857

Further Info:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Reviving_Virtue
• Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/RevivingVirtue
• Bookshop page: https://bookshop.org/shop/RevivingVirtue
• Contact: revivingvirtue@gmail.com
• Music by Jeffrey Anthony

In this episode of Reviving Virtue, host Jeffrey Anthony engages in a profound conversation with esteemed musicologist Susan McClary on the intricate relationship between music, culture, and society, including the influence of cultural norms and capitalist structures on tonality. Drawing on his experiences as a music analyst at Pandora Radio, Jeffrey provides a nuanced perspective on the Music Genome Project's role in democratizing music discovery and the potential unforeseen drawbacks. The discourse takes a deeper turn as they address the controversial subject of cultural appropriation in music, with McClary offering keen insights into the ethical implications. They further examine the link between the Enlightenment's rationality and the evolution of musical tonality, underlining the era's significant impact, epitomized by Arcangelo Corelli around 1700. This episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration and reevaluation of music's socio-cultural dimensions, making it an essential listen for those intrigued by the confluence of music, culture, and society.

Topics covered in the podcast:

• The cultural analysis of music
• The impact of societal norms and practices on musical forms and genres
• The Music Genome Project and its role in democratizing music discovery
• The contentious topic of cultural appropriation in music
• The relationship between the Enlightenment, its rationality, and the evolution of tonality
• The cultural constructiveness of music
• The role of the black church and music in maintaining community identity
• The dynamic between the individual and the group in the communal expression of music
• The creation of a shared moral narrative through music
• The impact of music on our bodies, our emotions, and almost everything
• Book recommendations based on this episode:

1. "Conventional Wisdom: The Content of Musical Form" by Susan McClary https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780520232082
2. "Feminine Endings: Music, Gender, and Sexuality" by Susan McClary https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780816641895
3. "Love & Theft" by Eric Lott https://bookshop.org/a/94644/9780195320558

Further Info:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Reviving_Virtue

Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/RevivingVirtue

Bookshop page: https://bookshop.org/shop/RevivingVirtue

Contact: revivingvirtue@gmail.com

Music by Jeffrey Anthony