Episode 7: Fascism, Irrationalism, and Creative Evolution

06/06/2025 16 min Temporada 1 Episodio 7

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Episode Synopsis

This deep dive discusses an academic article, titled "Fascism, Irrationalism and Creative Evolution or Deleuze, Running Away," examines the philosophical similarities and differences between Karl Popper and Gilles Deleuze. It explores how both philosophers dislike Hegel and see a link between his ideas and totalitarianism, particularly fascism. The author argues that while Popper critiques what he considers Bergson's "irrationalist" stance (and by extension, Deleuze's), based on a misinterpretation of Bergson's "creative evolution" as a form of Hegelian historicism, there are surprising points of agreement, notably their shared belief in an "open" future and a critique of teleological and mechanistic determinism. Ultimately, the article suggests that despite apparent agreement, Popper's emphasis on rational discussion to limit "immorality" and Deleuze's focus on philosophy as the creation of new concepts highlight their fundamental divergence on the nature and purpose of philosophical engagement. Read the article here: https://www.academia.edu/1880386/Fascism_Irrationalism_and_Creative_Evolution_or_Deleuze_Running_Away

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