The Sensible Socialist

A Conversation with Benjamin Studebaker (#84)

In this episode Kevin sit talks to Dr. Benjamin Studebaker to discuss, Plato, comparisons of modern politics to the Roman Empire, Trotsky’s theory of permanent revolution, questiosn of legitimization of politial systems, the potential for revolution or reform, fascism and whether it a useful term in today’s political dynamics, and more. Guest Biography: Benjamin Studebaker holds a PhD in Politics and International Relations from Cambridge. He is a political thinker and commentator on a wide range of issues and has appeared on panels, had discussions, and/or written for the Platypus Affiliated Society, Sublation Media, The International Journal of the Platonic Tradition, as well as others, which you can find at his blog: https://benjaminstudebaker.com/ [https://benjaminstudebaker.com/] Support us on http://www.patreon.com/sensiblesocialist [http://www.patreon.com/sensiblesocialist].

The Restaurant Workers Bill of Rights with Eva Putzova (#83)

In this episode Kevin talks to Eva Putzova of ROC United about the Restaurant Workers Bill of Rights [https://rocunited.org/bill-of-rights/] (RWBR) . About the RWBR: The early weeks of the COVID pandemic gave us a glimpse into the necessity for widespread solidarity with restaurant and other essential workers. The last few years, if not before then, showed all of that a systemic change across a myriad of policies affecting women, mothers, people of color, and immigrants who comprise the vast majority of restaurant workers is not only popular but possible. With 70 restaurant workers, members of Restaurant Opportunity Centers United, ROC United created a concept for the Restaurant Workers Bill of Rights centered around: Thriving wages needed for a thriving life Time off necessary for healing and rest A safe and dignified work environment Universal healthcare and bodily autonomy Participation in governance. About the Guest: Eva Putzova was born and raised in Slovakia earning her master’s degree from the University of Economics in Bratislava. In 2000 she moved to Flagstaff, Arizona her home in 2000. She started her professional career in the renewable energy sector and, in 2003, began working in higher education. In 2015, she received an Arizona Woman of Vision Award from the Arizona Women’s Conference and in 2017, the Eleanor Roosevelt Award given annually by the Coconino County Democratic Party for demonstrating democratic values in her service to the community.

The Synthesis of Marxism and Buddhism

We’re back! In the last several month Kevin, the Host of the Sensible Socialist has taken a step back and done a deep dive into the philosophy of Buddhism. In this return episode, Kevin talks with Graham Priest. Graham Priest is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York. Hailing originally from South London, Graham moved to Australia to take a position at the University of Western Australia and stayed in Australia until he came to CUNY in 2009. With a primary focus in logic Graham has explored the logical implications of para-consistency and dialetheism and the role of contradictions. For those well versed in either Buddhist or Marxist ideas, contradiction plays a significant role in the underlying logic of these systems of thought. While trained in formal logic, his 2021 book Capitalism–its Nature and its Replacement: Buddhist and Marxist Insights, Graham attempts to make linkages between these two philosophical traditions and fear not, it doesn’t contain any formal logic. It may be a surprise to Buddhists and Marxists alike that there is a connection between these two schools of thought. However, quite famous Buddhists – like the current Dalai Llama consider themselves Marxists, and quite famous Marxists such as B.R. Ambedkar were also Buddhists. In the last year or so, I have taken time away from this podcast and other projects to do my own investigation into Buddhism, its ideas and practice. We discuss the core tenants of Buddhism, the contradictions and congruencies with Buddhism, the notion of Dukkha and alienation, Marxian and Buddhist theories of self, the role of the Sangha in Buddhism, and more.

The Death of the Left (#81)

In this episode Kevin talks with Chris Cutrone about the thesis that the left is dead. They discuss the Platypus Affiliated Society, what he means by the death of the left, a brief history of the left in the 20th century, a discussion of the Millennial left, the question of DSA and the gradualist approach, and much more. To learn more about the Platypus Affiliated Society go to https://platypus1917.org/ [https://platypus1917.org/] If you like this content and want to support it, go to http://www.patreon.com/sensiblesocialist [http://www.patreon.com/sensiblesocialist]

Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights with Thamil Ananthavinayagan (#80)

In this episode Thamil Ananthavinayagan comes back on to discuss the topic of Economic, Social, and Cultural rights from a TWAILer’s perspective. If you like this channel, please consider subscribing on YouTube, liking this video, or support us at http://www.patreon.com/sensiblesocialist [http://www.patreon.com/sensiblesocialist]