Aaron Simmons: The Paradox of Democracy & What Comes Next
Homebrewed Christianity Podcast with Tripp Fuller
In this episode, philosopher Aaron Simmons returns for an intriguing discussion on the complexities of sustaining democracy. The conversation spans various philosophical insights from thinkers such as Robert Talese, Chantal Mouffe, and Simon Critchley. We explore tensions between political equality and justice, the paradox of democracy, and the necessity of engaging agonistically with adversaries. Aaron also shares his experiences teaching Radical Political Theory, addressing the intricacies of class tensions, bad faith discourse, and the compelling ethical demands that challenge contemporary democratic practices.
Dr. Simmons is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Furman University. You can follow his Substack ‘Philosophy in the Wild.‘
Previous Episodes with Aaron
A Five-Week Online Lenten Class
Join Dr. John Dominic Crossan for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on “Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World.” This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.
Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil.
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Very grateful for this episode. I’m scouring the ‘net to learn more about Robert Talese and coming up very empty? Where is he and has he published anything?