JRE #1191 – Peter Boghossian & James Lindsay

This podcast delves into the controversial “grievance studies” project, where Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay created and successfully published hoax academic papers in fields like gender studies, fat studies, and queer theory. They reveal the absurdity and the dangers of these fields, which are often dominated by a narrow, ideological perspective that stifles critical thinking and debate. The podcast explores the broader implications of these trends, highlighting the rise of “victimhood culture,” the erosion of academic freedom, and the potential for dangerous consequences in society and politics.

1. The “Grievance Studies” Project:

• Boghossian and Lindsay wrote 20 hoax academic papers, focusing on the most outlandish and nonsensical ideas.
• They submitted their papers to peer-reviewed journals, deliberately crafting them to appeal to the prevailing ideologies within these fields.
• 7 of their papers were accepted, and 4 were published, showcasing the lack of rigor and critical thinking in these disciplines.
• The project highlights the ease with which demonstrably absurd ideas can gain traction in academia and be disseminated as legitimate knowledge.

2. The “Problematization” of Everything:

• The “grievance studies” project reveals the tendency to view virtually every aspect of life through the lens of oppression and power dynamics.
• Even seemingly innocuous activities like dog parks or eating hot wings are subject to analysis as sites of systemic injustice.
• This constant “problematization” leads to a distorted view of reality, where everything is framed as a potential source of offense or a symptom of power imbalances.
• The podcast critiques the “problematization” of social justice itself, with certain topics becoming off-limits for critique or humor, while others are encouraged.

3. The Rise of “Victimhood Culture”:

• The podcast argues that the “grievance studies” project reflects a broader “victimhood culture” that pervades academia and even parts of society.
• This culture encourages individuals to view themselves as victims of systemic oppression, leading to a competition for who holds the most marginalized status.
• The emphasis on victimhood can create a sense of entitlement and hinder individual responsibility, as individuals are encouraged to see themselves as powerless victims rather than agents of change.
• The podcast explores the dangers of competitive victimhood, where individuals jockey for the title of “most oppressed” and the accompanying social and political advantages.

4. The Impact on Academic Freedom and Critical Thinking:

• The podcast exposes the chilling reality of academic freedom under pressure from prevailing ideologies within certain disciplines.
• Professors and students are often afraid to express dissenting viewpoints, fearing retribution or accusations of intolerance.
• This stifling of intellectual freedom creates a climate of conformity and hinders the pursuit of genuine knowledge.
• The podcast highlights the consequences of this suppression, leading to an education system that produces graduates who are unable to think critically or engage in meaningful dialogue.

5. The Erosion of Intellectual Discourse:

• The podcast exposes the “idea laundering” process, where unproven hypotheses are treated as established facts and circulated within academia.
• This process distorts and corrupts intellectual discourse, turning academic institutions into echo chambers for a narrow set of ideological beliefs.
• The podcast argues that this erosion of intellectual discourse creates a climate where dangerous and harmful ideas can gain legitimacy and be disseminated to the broader public.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of restoring intellectual freedom and robust debate in order to address genuine problems in society through sound research and critical thinking.

6. The Influence of “Grievance Studies” on Society and Politics:

• The podcast explores the ways in which the ideas and methods promoted by “grievance studies” have seeped into broader society and politics.
• The rise of “cancel culture” and the increasing sensitivity surrounding language and representation reflect the impact of these ideologies.
• The podcast argues that this influence has created a climate of fear and division, where individuals are afraid to express opinions that deviate from the prevailing narrative.
• The podcast suggests that the “grievance studies” project provides a crucial warning about the dangers of unchecked ideological influence and the need for critical thinking and intellectual freedom in a healthy society.

7. The “New Religion” of Intersectionality:

• The podcast describes intersectionality as a “new religion” that has taken root in academia and beyond.
• Intersectionality emphasizes the importance of identity and group dynamics, often leading to a rigid and unyielding view of the world.
• The podcast criticizes the tendency to use intersectionality as a tool for silencing dissent and punishing those who express non-conformist views.
• The podcast suggests that the “new religion” of intersectionality hinders genuine social progress by promoting division and limiting intellectual freedom.

8. The Impact of “Grievance Studies” on Tech Companies:

• The podcast explores the growing influence of “grievance studies” within the tech industry.
• The podcast highlights the potential for this influence to lead to a culture of censorship and intolerance within tech companies.
• The podcast questions the extent to which “diversity initiatives” within tech companies actually promote inclusivity and intellectual freedom.
• The podcast suggests that the tech industry’s embrace of “grievance studies” reflects a broader cultural shift towards a more rigid and ideological approach to social issues.

9. The Dangers of “Social Justice” Ideologies:

• The podcast critiques the way in which “social justice” ideologies can be used to silence dissent and punish those who express non-conformist views.
• The podcast highlights the potential for these ideologies to be used as a tool for political control and social engineering.
• The podcast argues that “social justice” ideologies can be counterproductive by fostering division and resentment, hindering genuine progress on issues of equality and social justice.
• The podcast suggests that the path towards a more just and equitable society lies in open dialogue, critical thinking, and a rejection of ideological dogmatism.

10. The Importance of Intellectual Freedom and Debate:

• The podcast emphasizes the importance of intellectual freedom and debate in a healthy society.
• The podcast argues that the suppression of dissenting viewpoints creates a climate of conformity and stifles innovation and creativity.
• The podcast encourages listeners to embrace a culture of intellectual curiosity and to challenge ideas, even those that are widely accepted.
• The podcast suggests that a robust and open intellectual marketplace is essential for tackling complex societal issues and building a more just and equitable world.

11. The “Secret Positive” Response:

• The podcast reveals that many academics, while publicly silent, are privately supportive of the “grievance studies” project.
• This “secret positive” response suggests that the prevailing ideologies are starting to crumble under scrutiny.
• The podcast suggests that a critical mass of academics is needed to challenge the prevailing orthodoxy and restore intellectual freedom.
• The podcast holds out hope that a wave of dissent is on the horizon, fueled by a growing awareness of the dangers of ideological conformity.

12. The Role of Social Media in Shaping Discourse:

• The podcast explores the influence of social media in fostering a culture of outrage and intolerance.
• The podcast argues that social media platforms have created a system where individuals are rewarded for expressing extreme viewpoints and attacking those who disagree.
• The podcast suggests that social media platforms can amplify echo chambers and make it harder for individuals to engage in meaningful dialogue.
• The podcast advocates for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to online discourse, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and respect for diverse viewpoints.

13. The “Infantilization” of Students:

• The podcast expresses concern about the “infantilization” of students in academic settings.
• The podcast argues that the prevailing ideologies within certain disciplines treat students as fragile and easily influenced, limiting their exposure to diverse viewpoints and critical thinking.
• The podcast suggests that this “infantilization” hinders students’ intellectual development and prepares them poorly for a world where they will encounter a wide range of ideas and perspectives.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of empowering students to engage in challenging and critical discourse, preparing them to become responsible citizens in a complex and diverse world.

14. The Importance of Ideological Diversity:

• The podcast stresses the need for ideological diversity within academic institutions and other spheres of public discourse.
• The podcast argues that a lack of ideological diversity creates a climate of intellectual stagnation and hinders the pursuit of truth.
• The podcast calls for a return to a culture of open debate and respectful dialogue, where individuals are encouraged to challenge prevailing assumptions and to consider multiple perspectives.
• The podcast emphasizes that a vibrant and diverse intellectual landscape is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing society.

15. The Limits of “Social Justice”:

• The podcast examines the limitations of “social justice” as a framework for achieving a more equitable and just society.
• The podcast argues that the focus on identity politics and the pursuit of “social justice” can sometimes be counterproductive, leading to division and resentment.
• The podcast suggests that a more nuanced and practical approach is needed, one that focuses on individual rights and responsibilities, rather than relying solely on group identity.
• The podcast calls for a return to a more universal understanding of human rights and equality, one that transcends artificial divisions and seeks to create a more just and equitable society for all.

5 Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s so funny how racist you can be as long as you’re racist against white people.”
• “They’re publishing their leashes when they misbehaved.”
• “All white straight men are trash unless proven otherwise.”
• “They literally believe that use of language creates the power dynamics that define society.”
• “This is the academic equivalent of money laundering.”