Pat Flynn interviews Professor Michael Rectenwald of New York University, who has recently been making headlines for speaking out against the radical, postmodernist views infesting academia–views that he himself once held(!)–and the subsequent attacks he’s faced, both personal and professional, for doing so.
This interview should be interesting for anybody who’s ever wondered about the history of postmodern philosophy–how it started, and how it eventually evolved into many of the radical and intolerant ideas that academia, and our world, are confronted with today.
Prominent Professor Exposes Dangerous Ideology Being Taught on University Campuses
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About Professor Michael Rectenwald
Show Notes and Related Resources
Springtime for Snowflakes
I highly recommend reading Professor Rectenwald’s new book, Sprintime for Snowflakes: https://amzn.to/2RiBLwW
The Pat Flynn Show
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Holy heck, was that a great conversation! I’ve been out of college for 25 years, and it’s unbelievable to hear what’s going on in academia now. In a world where tribalism is at its peak, it’s good to hear an intellectual who has the integrity to stand up against bully tactics and stand for truth and honesty. Great episode!
Pat,
Excellent story.
I can’t help but notice a sick irony here… Social conservatism using a moral relativistic hypocrisy. Support of a leader who bends the truth on a moment to moment basis, while overtly attacking the First amendment. Half the time this attack comes from an elevated position ( pun intended ) of the Second Amendment! Which seems, now, to have been created by it’s antithesis, today’s social justice movement. Postmodernism, social justice as it’s parent, has created an attack Frankenstein’s Monster to destroy its own child, seemingly unwittingly. Where are we going and why are we in this handbasket…?
Parent of social justice *
Hey Ken,
To be as fair as I possibly can, I believe relativism has become so subtly pervasive that it has infested both major political parties (all in very negative ways), and many of the independent parties, as well. The most alarming manifestations (of relativism, anyway) seem to be coming from the far left (as this interview indicates), but that doesn’t mean there isn’t relativistic hypocrisy on the right either–there certainly is.
Speaking of: People sometimes ask if I’m “conservative.” I often say that I am, but with much qualification, so as to not get lumped in with various people of certain political affiliation whom I find personally abhorrent. But if by “conservative” you mean that I believe in truth, teleology, natural law, objective moral values (and duties), the existence of God, striving to live virtuously, and in the infinite value and dignity of every human being, along with a healthy (but not absolute) skepticism of governmental powers, then yes, it would be fair to call me a conservative. These are the principles I’ve come to believe are correct, and so these are the principles that I try very hard to live by, even if I don’t always succeed. I wasn’t always this way, however. I used to be quite the opposite.
As for how we got to where we are today? That’s really the question, isn’t it? And it’s a question I plan to continue exploring this in future episodes and interviews, particularly as part of my series on philosophy. Glad you were able to tune in, Ken. Hope you got something out of this one.
Hey Pat,
This is the first place where I have decided that it might be good to speak up digitally. I did this because you seemed an honest broker , and I still do. I may be left of you, but I am certainly right of postmodernism. My biggest love in religious studies is ancient history, and therefore believe that there is a past reality to interpret from the texts.
ken
Weirdness in academia? Pat, I think batsh*t crazy is a more appropriate way to describe today’s university environments. Thankfully, I go to a college where the professors in my discipline aren’t too vocal about their politics, but listening to their casual conversations and listening to other students, I can’t believe what they believe in. I’m all for spirited debate based on reason, logic, and facts, but it seems impossible to discuss any issue with people before things turn into a shouting match as if talking over someone is the way to win an argument. It disgusts me when professors are sanctioned for merely disagreeing with their university’s majority political culture. Universities are supposed to be a place for discussing ideas and challenging norms, which means all viewpoints should be addressed, even if you don’t agree with them. As you point out well, if there’s no competition of ideas, knowledge isn’t just stifled but extinguished. So sorry to hear the professor had to deal with so many personal attacks. It’s typical for SJW’s to throw out racist and sexist slurs on people they disagree with. It’s no cliché that people who disagree are often called racist and sexist when there’s no basis in fact. I love the social justice tipping point terminology. Dr. Peterson has opened my eyes to how crazy things are on campus. I won’t even get started on the pronoun preference issue. I had to chuckle when you and the professor discussed postmodernism. Pat, I’m an English grad student and many professors seem confused about what postmodernism is. I can only imagine what philosophers think about postmodernism. The professor’s explanation of postmodernism is the first that actually makes sense. Thanks!
Pat, thanks again for posting this interview. I enjoyed your discussion with Dr. Rectenwald so much that I ordered his book Springtime for Snowflakes. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy visiting your site and listening to the podcasts. You always have an eclectic supply of useful information.
I’m from the healthcare field so I’m coming from a different perspective as to what’s taught on campuses but my golly from what Professor Michael has shared things are going off now if that’s the case. The politics going on in healthcare is a different thing but I can see how important it is that a university should be promoting good and healthy discussion that uphold the truth and the right values. Thank you for sharing this podcast, Pat! This definitely has opened my eyes to a different take on what’s going on in campuses today. More power as well to Professor Michael.