Deeper Dive - DSU's podcast
The DSU podcast “Deeper Dive” is a weekly dialog between the moderator Walker Uhl and Professor Nick Dungey. Each week we will discuss a current event of global significance. Moving beyond the traditional left – right ideological debate, we identify the deeper core philosophical ideas that give rise to the events themselves and the partisan arguments that surround them.
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My Freedom, My Rights, and the End of the Social Contract
10/15/2021
My Freedom, My Rights, and the End of the Social Contract
In the last two years we have seen an explosion in assertion of “absolute freedom” and “absolute rights” in the social and political crisis surrounding vaccines and the government’s authority to mandate vaccines. Throughout the country, people have asserted an irreducible freedom and an unconditional right to “decide” whether to accept the vaccination. This is understanding and assertion of freedom and rights are yet another example of an extraordinary confusion about the core philosophical and political ideas that animate the American Political experiment. In this episode we explore historical and philosophical story surrounding the Modern, and the Modern Liberal notion of Freedom and Natural Rights and, we identify the difference between original and political Freedom, and between Natural Rights and Civil Rights.
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Texas and the Theologico-Political Crisis
09/23/2021
Texas and the Theologico-Political Crisis
"I have longer to please the dead than please the living here." (Sophocles, Antigone). With these chilling words, Antigone sets in motion a Theologico-Political Crisis that will devour the Royal Family of Thebes and shatter the city. The Theologico-Political crisis that constitutes the drama of Sophocles' famous tragedy is a defining condition of Western Civilization, the emergence of Platonic and Metaphysical political philosophy, and the driving force behind the emergence of Modern political philosophy and Liberal Political Philosophy. Indeed, the Theologico-Political crisis is driving force behind the creation of American Liberal Democracy. Now it is back. The recent law banning abortions in Texas, and the silence of the Supreme Court, has initiated a new Theologico-Political crisis that threatens to devour what is left of the American Democratic political experiment. A straight line runs from ancient Thebes to contemporary Texas.
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We Are Back
09/09/2021
We Are Back
After an extended break, Walker and Professor Dungey return! In this, "we are back," episode we examine where we are, and identify three main ideas to contextualize what is happening and where we are going. First, we must always remember that democracies are inherently fragile, and sometimes dangerous. Second, we discuss the idea that the legal and political institutions and processes of American Democracy are human inventions that are hard to build and hold, but easy to lose. Third, we discuss the crisis of legitimacy that threatens to dissolve the American political experiment. We are living in and through the most dangerous times in our economic, social, and political history. Can a culture without a "center" keep the center from dissolving.
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Becoming Mortal Gods and the End of Liberal Democracy
03/27/2019
Becoming Mortal Gods and the End of Liberal Democracy
A critical theme running throughout Modern, and Modern Liberal Political Theory is the recognition of, and consequences that result from, the Death or Displacement of God. Ever since Machiavelli Displaced God from the Cosmos and the Human Mind, it has now become necessary for Human Beings to Create the Moral, Economic, and Political Institutions that bring Order, Security, and Peace to Human Life. Humans must now do the Work that God used to do. However, within this extraordinary observation is a fascinating, empowering, and terrifying ambiguity. In our most recent podcast, "Becoming Mortal Gods and the End of Liberal Democracy," we trace the meaning of this ambiguity, and identify both its tremendous power and terrifying consequences. Enjoy!
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The Age of Acquisition and the Perfection of Inequality
02/27/2019
The Age of Acquisition and the Perfection of Inequality
The Washington Post proclaims: "The GOP Tax Reform is a Scam." As Millions of working and middle class people are discovering that their tax returns are either significantly lower, or, that they actually owe substantial amount of money, they feel conned. And yet, while the recent GOP tax reform does represent one of the largest transfers of wealth in the History of American Politics, and while that transfer of wealth overwhelmingly benefitted the super-rich, nothing has gone wrong. No one has been Conned. In this episode, "The Age of Acquisition and the Perfection of Inequality," we argue that the system worked perfectly. The legal, economic, and political space of American Democracy was designed specifically for the emergence of a "New Aristocracy of Acquisition" that mobilizes inequalities of talent, ability, ambition, and intelligence. The Vulgar are only now learning they are the Vulgar. Enjoy.
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Government Shutdown, Executive Power, and the Coming Authoritarianism
02/14/2019
Government Shutdown, Executive Power, and the Coming Authoritarianism
As the Institutions and Processes of Government continue to falter and breakdown, another Government Shutdowns looms, and the ominous threat of a Declaration of National Emergency darkens the American sky, we investigate what all three of the phenomena have in common, and how they will contribute to the emergence of an Authoritarian Regime. In our latest episode, "Government Shutdown, Executive Power, and the Coming Authoritarianism," Walker and Professor Dungey not only investigate what each of these dynamics mean, but also situate each dynamic in the deeper philosophical context of Modern Political Philosophy and it's Liberal variant--the Artificial Nature of Politics and its Inherent Fragility. Enjoy.
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DSU LIVE FB event - Winning the Culture Wars and the End of Liberal Democracy
04/20/2018
DSU LIVE FB event - Winning the Culture Wars and the End of Liberal Democracy
In our Fourth, Special DSU Event, we share with you the audio from a DSU Live Event, recorded on October 21, 2017. In this episode, we examine the renewed attempt by powerful groups within American Society and Democracy to ACQUIRE AND EXERCISE POLITICAL POWER FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSERTING A SPECIFIC CLAIM TO THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE. This is extraordinarily dangerous. If a particular group ever "WINS" the Culture Wars, if means the END of Liberal Democracy as we know it. No one "WINS" a Culture War.
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The State of Nature, Social Contract, and Guns
04/04/2018
The State of Nature, Social Contract, and Guns
In the wake of yet another mass shooting that left 17 young people dead at a high school in Parkland, Florida, the nation is once again torn apart by suffering and vicious ideological debate about gun ownership in America. In this episode, "The State of Nature, Social Contract, and Guns," Professor Dungey and Walker approach the issue of guns from the deeper historical and philosophical ideas that animate early Modern political theory, and especially the emergence of Liberal Political Philosophy. We approach the issue of guns from the perspective of Hobbes's State of Nature, his notion of Radical Equality, his penetrating account of Human Vanity, and the role these ideas play in the escape from the State of Nature through the Social Contract. Despite the presence of legal and political institutions, is contemporary America coming to resemble, more and more, Hobbes's terrifying and violent State of Nature?
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FB1_Chaos as a Political Strategy
03/18/2018
FB1_Chaos as a Political Strategy
Recently, Donald Trump said he "likes governing by chaos." And, there are many who would say that his administration is chaotic. In this episode, Professor Dungey investigates the philosophical origins and meanings of the idea of Chaos as it emerges in Early Modern Political Theory. What role did the idea of "chaos" play in the early development of Modern Political Philosophy? And, what does it mean to govern "chaotically." Much of Modern Political Philosophy is specifically designed to contain and escape chaos. Can Liberal, Democratic Institutions and Processes survive Chaos? Enjoy
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Welcome to the Post-Truth Presidency
03/07/2018
Welcome to the Post-Truth Presidency
For two years we have been told that the informational, social, and political crisis now unfolding has been set in motion by the emergence of the Post-Truth Language and Thoughts of Trump. Indeed, last year, Chuck Todd declared, "Welcome to the Post-Truth Presidency." In this counter-intuitive episode, Walker and Professor Dungey discuss how this Narrative is actually wrong, and more importantly, Dangerous. Enjoy.
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DSU LIVE FB Event, recorded 11/11/17 - Boethius, Machiavelli, and Lady Fortuna: The Origins of the Modern Sexual Assault Crisis
03/04/2018
DSU LIVE FB Event, recorded 11/11/17 - Boethius, Machiavelli, and Lady Fortuna: The Origins of the Modern Sexual Assault Crisis
In our Second, Special DSU Event, we share with you the audio from a DSU Live event, recorded on November 11, 2017. In the past two years, the Sexual Assault Crisis has exploded over every facet of our lives. From Entertainment to Politics, to Corporate America, and Sports, the avalanche of stories of sexual abuse, assault, and exploitation have ripped open American consciousness. In this unflinching episode, "Boethius, Machiavelli, and Lady Fortuna: The Modern Philosophical Origins of the Sexual Assault Crisis," Professor Dungey identifies and traces one critical component to this crisis to Machiavelli's Radical, Aggressive, and potentially Violent re-Imagination of the Great Prince's Relationship to Lady Fortuna. To view the original video, please go to our DSU Facebook page, and search under videos. The original video is also available on our DSU YouTube Channel.
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DSU LIVE FB event, recorded 11/2/17 - Collusion, Conspiracy, Trump, and Locke's Account of the Dissolution of Government
02/25/2018
DSU LIVE FB event, recorded 11/2/17 - Collusion, Conspiracy, Trump, and Locke's Account of the Dissolution of Government
In this SPECIAL DSU Podcast event, we share with you the audio from a DSU LIVE Facebook Event, recorded on November 2, 2017. In this episode, "Collusion, Conspiracy, Trump, and Locke's Account of the Dissolution of Government," we examine Locke's specific examples of when actions taken by a political leader, or one seeking political power, render the Regime Illegitimate and therefore Dissolved. Locke argues that when a Leader, or one who aspires to acquire power, conspires with a Foreign source "TO ALTER THE ELECTORAL PROCESS," the Regime is illegitimate and therefore should be Dissolved. This episode was recorded BEFORE MUELLER ANNOUNCED THE 13 INDICTMENTS AGAINST RUSSIAN NATIONALS IN AN ATTEMPT TO ALTER THE AMERICAN ELECTORAL AND POLITICAL PROCESS. THIS IS CRITICAL INFORMATION. If you want to see the original video, please go to our Dungey State University Facebook page, and search in the video section. Much Love, ND
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We are thrilled to be back
02/21/2018
We are thrilled to be back
After an eight month hiatus, the DSU podcasts are back! In this episode, Walker and Professor Dungey welcome the DSU family and muse about the most significant themes and events that have transpired since April 2017. In this episode we discuss the idea that in the Modern, Liberal Philosophical tradition, democracy is a form of human art, that is it inherently unstable, sometimes dangerous, and that it must be actively re-authorized across historical time and space. What we are witnessing and living now is a existential and constitutional crisis that reveals the terrifying and sublime truth of democracy. We are thrilled to be back. Enjoy!
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Living "Life as Art:" The Ana Kasparian Interview
04/12/2017
Living "Life as Art:" The Ana Kasparian Interview
In our most recent episode: "Living 'Life as Art:' the Ana Kasparian Interview," we revisit our most favorite theme. In a past episode titled, "Life as Art," we raised the question of what it would be like to treat consciousness, meaning, and even life itself as an aesthetic experience. Living life as an artistic process means to find the emotional strength and creative clarity to give one's life meaning, beauty, and value. In this episode we interview Ana Kasparian and discover how she found the emotional strength and the creative and intellectual energy to re-imagine her own life and career, and in doing so, has managed to re-define the social and political space. Powerful stuff. Enjoy.
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Deconstruction of the Administrative State
04/04/2017
Deconstruction of the Administrative State
In a recent interview, Stephen Bannon, the Chief Advisor and Intellectual Strategist of the Trump Administration, said that the Primary Goal of the Trump Administration is the "Deconstruction of the Administrative State." In our most recent episode, titled, "The Mythology of the 'Deconstruction of Administrative State,'" we examine Bannon's provocative assertion. Placing Bannon's assertion in the deeper historical and philosophical context of the Enlightenment, we demonstrate how Bannon is not only misinformed about the nature of the "Administrative State," but more importantly, how the strategies and policies of the Trump Administration are actually doing the very opposite of what they claim: They are deepening and almost perfecting the "Administrative State." Enjoy.
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Informational Tribalism
03/15/2017
Informational Tribalism
Recently, Donald Trump stated: "The Past 'Phony' Jobs Numbers are now 'Very Real.'" In our last episode, "A Very (Brief) History of Truth," we investigated the philosophical meaning of the "Truth" and traced its historical transformation across different philosophical epochs. In our follow-up episode, "The Crisis of Legitimacy of Meaning and the Emergence of Informational Tribalism," we explore the crisis of meaning that threatens to destroy the very foundation of our social and political space. The emergence of "Fake News," "Alternative Facts," and the collapse of the "Fact/Value" Distinction has brought us to an unprecedented moment of Informational Tribalism where "Meaning" and "Reality" serve the Whims of those in power, or those who are willing to exercise power to impose their "Reality." Contrary to what many believe, Donald Trump is not the cause of this, but rather a symptom of a crisis in meaning and information that has now reaching its perfection.
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A (Very) Brief History of Truth
03/01/2017
A (Very) Brief History of Truth
The headlines declare: We live in a Post-Truth world, characterized by Alternative Facts and Fake News. What the hell is going on? In our most recent episode, "A (Very) Brief History of Truth," we discuss the historical origin and philosophical meanings of the idea Truth. In order to try to disentangle what is meant by Post-Truth and alternative facts, we have to establish the philosophical assertions about Truth, trace the the transformation of the idea of Truth across historical epochs, and identify the boundaries and implications surrounding the debates about Truth. Only then can we investigate what Post-Truth and Alternative Facts really mean. Enjoy!
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Liberal Philosophy, Happiness, and Affluenza Anonymous
02/15/2017
Liberal Philosophy, Happiness, and Affluenza Anonymous
In our most recent episode, "Liberal Philosophy, Happiness, and Affluenza Anonymous," we continue our discussion of the Ancient-Modern debate surrounding the meaning and pursuit of Happiness. In this episode, we investigate the historical and philosophical origins of the Modern, Liberal conception of Happiness and investigate the personal and political consequences. Has the Modern, Liberal account of happiness made us happy? Or, has it turned us into a culture of addicts and prepared the way for political authoritarianism? Controversial stuff, no doubt. Enjoy.
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Locke's Prerogative Power, Trump's Executive Order, and the Appeal to Heaven
02/02/2017
Locke's Prerogative Power, Trump's Executive Order, and the Appeal to Heaven
In light of the extraordinary legal, social, and political events of the past week, we return to an examination of Locke's notion of Prerogative Power, The Take Care Clause, and Executive Orders. In addition, we examine Locke's fascinating and terrifying analysis of what happens when there is a potentially irresolvable conflict in the political community between the citizens and the President about the legality and public good of the President's Executive Order. Locke's famous statement that when this arises, there is only an "appeal to heaven" is code for the potential and justification for revolution. This is very serious stuff.
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The Great Debate Between Hobbes and Locke Finally Settled?
01/11/2017
The Great Debate Between Hobbes and Locke Finally Settled?
While Hobbes and Locke are two of the most important thinkers of Modern, Liberal Political Philosophy, they had radically different views about the best sort of regime human beings could create through the Social Contract. According to Hobbes's pessimistic view of human nature, he believed individuals were too vainglorious and ambitious to create, and participate in, a representative democracy. Only an all-powerful authoritarian ruler would be able to keep the citizens in line and the state stable and secure. Locke took a different approach. Individually and passionately opposed to any form of monarchy or centralized power, Locke argued that individuals were more reasonable than Hobbes thought, and the civil institutions of society more deeply grounded. Human beings could, Locke argued, create a democratic form of government with limited power, and sustain the enterprise over time. As we know, Locke seems to have one the debate, but recent socio-cultural and political events may prove Hobbes right.
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The Philosophies and Tactics of War and the DAPL Protestors
12/08/2016
The Philosophies and Tactics of War and the DAPL Protestors
In our most recent episode, "The Philosophies and Tactics of War and the DAPL Protestors," we examine the recent, alarming events at Standing Rock, North Dakota. Grounding our conversation in Locke's famous warning to all citizens, that if you are not vigilant and on guard against the extraordinary acquisition of power by government, then the day will come when your right to protest, resist, or alter the direction of power may be impossible. We have arrived at that day. There are two elements to Locke's warning. First, the acquisition of sophisticated technology and military instruments by government may make government power so overwhelming that physical and material resistance is impossible. Second, the decision by the government to deploy tactics and strategies of war on citizens will erode and ultimately dissolve the distinction between Citizen and Enemy Combatants. The recent decision by the government to threaten a Siege and denial of resources to protestors, to criminalize other citizens for attempting to supply protestors with food, medicine, and materials, and the FAA creation of a No-Fly Zone over the protest site, effectively demonstrate the government's deployment of Techniques and Strategies of War on Citizens. Siege and No-Fly Zones are both tactics of War. The threat of Siege, the criminalization of support for the protestors, and the creation of the No-Fly Zone effectively means that the government has declared war on its own citizens.
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Boethius' Philosophy of Happiness and False Happiness
11/23/2016
Boethius' Philosophy of Happiness and False Happiness
In our Thanks giving episode, "Boethius' Philosophy of Happiness and False Happiness," we explore Boethius' ancient and powerful account of human happiness and fortune. In this episode we investigate Boethius' philosophical and poetic fusion of Platonic philosophy and Stoicism. By identifying Boethius' account of Reason and Fortune, we are given deep insights into the meaning and purpose of human life, the emotional and rational strength necessary to survive the blows of Fortune, and the clarity to avoid being seduced by False Happiness. It is a perfect discussion in this time of giving thanks.
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Liberal Philosophy, Tolerance, and Where We Go From Here
11/16/2016
Liberal Philosophy, Tolerance, and Where We Go From Here
In our first episode after the most controversial Presidential Election in American History, we return to a discussion of the fundamental and irreconcilable differences that generate Liberal Philosophy and the creation of American Democracy. Intimately connected to the recognition of irreconcilable difference is an understanding of what Tolerance is, and what it is not. We conclude with a discussion of where we go from here by contextualizing our current political situation in the historical and theoretical account of Locke's notion of Revolution and Civil Society. Enjoy.
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Answering the Big Questions
11/02/2016
Answering the Big Questions
We are living in an existential, social, and political maelstrom. In our most recent episode, we take a step back from the flames and present the audio from our first Dungey State University Facebook Live Event. Here we respond to three critical questions: What can be done on the personal and political level? Where will we be economically and politically in ten years? And, will the Wikileaks' revelations lead to political transformation? Enjoy.
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The End of Legitimacy?
10/26/2016
The End of Legitimacy?
During the final Presidential debate, both candidates where asked, once again, if they would accept the outcome of the election. Before 80,000,000 viewers, Donald Trump said, "I'll tell you at the time. I'll keep you in suspense." Donald Trump made this extraordinary comment because he believes the "Election" is rigged. However, by "Election," Trump does not mean simply the technicalities of the voting process. When Trump claims the "Election" is rigged, he is referring to the entire economic, legal, informational, and political system. In response, Hillary Clinton recently stated that, "Trump's claims are an existential threat to Democracy." BOTH ARE RIGHT. In this episode we explore both claims and discuss what this means for the ritualized re-authorization of American Democracy. Enjoy.
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Machiavelli, Public and Private Positions, and Hillary Clinton
10/19/2016
Machiavelli, Public and Private Positions, and Hillary Clinton
In a recently revealed document, Hillary Clinton said to a group of real estate investors, "you need both a public and private position." Earlier in the year, during a highly paid speech for executives at Deutsche Bank, Hillary Clinton said that she dreams of a "hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders." Just last week, speaking to unemployed and marginalized American workers, Hillary Clinton said that she opposes the Trans Pacific Partnership (hemispheric common market with free trade and open borders), and she will protect American manufacturing and jobs. In order to understand this, we situate HRC's Public/Private views in the historical and deeper theoretical context of Machiavelli's "The Prince." Caution: this is dark stuff. You may not like what you hear. Enjoy.
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JS Mill's Philosophy of Anxiety and its Role in Personal and Political Transformation
10/14/2016
JS Mill's Philosophy of Anxiety and its Role in Personal and Political Transformation
This is the season of Political Anxiety. A recent article in Reuters recommends to Americans anxious about the current political environment to "stop reading the news and take up yoga." While yoga is a wonderful practice, we do not advise Americans to stop reading the news and tune out. In our latest episode, "JS Mill's Philosophy of Anxiety and its Role in Personal and Political Transformation," we investigate the powerful role anxiety, and bearing witness to anxiety, plays in our individual and political elevation. Anxiety, and the way it makes us uncomfortable, is the energy of growth and political improvement. Enjoy.
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Locke's Philosophy of Law, the State of War, and Wells Fargo
10/07/2016
Locke's Philosophy of Law, the State of War, and Wells Fargo
The only separating the State of War from the Political community is the law, and the willingness and ability of the legal and political institutions to enforce it. When individuals or corporations engage in deliberate, on-going, and pervasive criminal activity on a massive scale, and the legal and political institutions are unwilling or unable to criminally prosecute those responsible to the fullest extent of the law, then the law dies. When the law dies, tyranny emerges, and when tyranny emerges we return to the State of War. In our most recent episode, "Locke's Philosophy of Law, the State of War, and Wells Fargo," we investigate these issues and try to determine whether we live in a political society or a State of War. Enjoy.
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Donald Trump, Guns, and the On-Going Crisis of Political Legitimacy
09/28/2016
Donald Trump, Guns, and the On-Going Crisis of Political Legitimacy
In a recent speech about the issue of gun ownership in America, Donald Trump said about Hillary Clinton: "I think that her bodyguards should drop all weapons . . . I think they should disarm. Immediately . . . . Let's see what happens to her. Take their guns away . . . . It'll be very dangerous." Trumps comments set off a firestorm of criticism. In our most recent episode, "Donald Trump, Guns, and the On-Going Crisis of Political Legitimacy," we situate and analyze Trump's comments in the deeper, and more ominous context of the on-going erosion of the delicate line between a pre-political, unstable, and often violent existential condition, and the establishment of legitimate legal and political institutions designed specifically reduce violence and establish order through the authorization of legitimate uses of force.
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Colin Kaepernick, Martin Luther King, and the Philosophy of Protest and Civil Disobedience
09/21/2016
Colin Kaepernick, Martin Luther King, and the Philosophy of Protest and Civil Disobedience
Two weeks ago, Colin Kaepernick decided to "sit-out" the National Anthem. He did so to call attention to, and protest, what he believes to be systemic and institutional racism in American culture and law enforcement. His simple, passive, and non-violent protest ignited a firestorm of controversy and set into motion a national debate over the questions of patriotism and respect for the the American Flag. In our most recent episode, "Colin Kaepernick, Martin Luther King, and the Philosophy of Protest and Civil Disobedience," we attempt to situate Kaepernick's political activity in a deeper historical and philosophical context. Enjoy.
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