Ideas Matter

By: Louis Devine and Alex B.
  • Summary

  • A podcast where two mates discuss philosophy, politics and intellectual history, because Ideas Matter. Ideas Matter is hosted by Louis, a PhD student in political theory, and Alex, a humanities teacher. Each episode is structured around the work of a great thinker. We aim to explore their ideas in an accessible manner, without dumbing them down. No topic is off limits: the theology of Saint Augustine, Lenin's revolutionary theory, Marx's critique of capitalism, Platonic discussions on love, or Nietzsche's metaphysical musings. Follow the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod
    Louis Devine and Alex B.
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Episodes
  • Why You're Probably A Liberal Without Even Knowing It | An Interview with Professor Alexandre Lefebvre
    Oct 20 2024

    Can becoming a better liberal really increase your wellbeing? That is the argument made by today's guest, Alexandre Lefebvre, in his latest book: Liberalism as a Way of Life (2024). Liberalism is the hegemonic morality of our times. Rather than despairing at this fact, as many on the post-liberal right do, we should double down on our ideals and strive to become better liberals. A fairer, more playful and fun world awaits us if we do.

    Lefebvre is Professor of Politics and Philosophy at the University of Sydney. Find out more about his work here.

    If you enjoy the show, please give us a rating wherever you happen to be listening.

    Follow the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod

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    45 mins
  • What Can Chinese Academia Teach Us About Chinese Politics? An Interview with Professor Daniel A. Bell
    Sep 21 2024

    Kickstarting a new era of Ideas Matter, Louis interviews Canadian-born political theorist Daniel Bell about his latest book, The Dean of Shandong: Confessions of a Minor Bureaucrat at a Chinese University (2023).


    Bell is currently Chair Professor of Political Theory at the University of Hong Kong. Prior to that, he served as the Dean of Shandong University's Department of Political Science and Public Administration - the first non-Chinese to ever hold such a position.


    Bell's academic work focusses on Confucianism and how it can be applied to contemporary Chinese politics. He makes a number of controversial but interesting claims, including that Western-style liberal democracy may not be the best way forward for China. Instead, he favours what he calls 'Confucian Political Meritocracy'.


    If you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a rating. You can reach out on Instagram @ideasmatterpod, or contact the show via email at ideasmatterpod@gmail.com


    Enjoy!

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    52 mins
  • Civilisation and its Discontents by Sigmund Freud
    Aug 26 2023

    Sex. The Ego. Repression. Sublimation. The Death Drive. That's right, we're reading Freud. Specifically we are reading two essays by Freud, "Civilised Sexuality Morality and Modern Nervous Illness" (1908) and "Civilisation and its Discontents" (1930). These works provide a brief introduction to core Freudian concepts such as repression and sublimation. Join us for a critical reading of one of the twentieth century's most important thinkers.


    Follow the show on Instagram @ideasmatterpod

    Follow co-host Louis on Twitter/X @louissdevine

    Email the show: ideasmatterpod@gmail.com



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    47 mins

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