Theory Matters

Theory Matters explores the intersection of political theory and practical politics to offer insights into contemporary issues. It critiques current political systems, discusses the importance of political and philosophical education, and examines the impacts of societal shifts on politics, all through a theoretical lens.

Political Theory Philosophy and Ethics Education and Intellectual Development Societal and Cultural Dynamics Mental Health International Relations and Security Nationalism and Identity

The hottest Substack posts of Theory Matters

And their main takeaways

Disconnection, Sectarianism, and Democracy

3 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Polarization Political culture Social relations
  1. People today feel disconnected and angry, which is affecting relationships and politics. This lack of connection makes it harder to resolve issues in our democratic systems.
  2. Sectarianism, or deep divisions based on political identity rather than just ideas, is becoming a serious problem. When we dislike those on the other side more than we support democracy, it threatens our political stability.
  3. To improve democracy, we need to focus on our interactions and connections with each other. If we can't accept losing gracefully or see others as allies, democracy will struggle to survive.

Taking Illiberalism seriously

5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Authoritarianism Democracy Campaign Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Illiberal movements often get underestimated because people don't take them seriously. This leads to ignoring deeper issues that let these movements grow.
  2. The current political climate is shaped by performance and storytelling, rather than just facts. To connect with people, liberals need to engage in better narratives.
  3. Rights and values need a strong reason behind them. Simply saying rights matter isn’t enough; there needs to be a clear understanding of why they are important.

Taking Illiberalism seriously

10 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy International relations Elections Authoritarianism
  1. We need to be careful about how we talk about democracy. It's not just about having elections; real democratic health needs strong institutions and genuine respect for rules.
  2. Illiberal regimes are becoming more common, and this is challenging liberal democracies. People can still vote but might not accept the results, which creates confusion about what democracy really means.
  3. Political and international stability isn't the same as true democracy. Democracies need to be able to adapt and face challenges, rather than just maintaining a facade of order.

Reading as a warning light

25 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📚 Literature Books Reading Education Literacy Culture
  1. Many adults don't read for pleasure anymore, and literacy rates are declining. This affects young people the most, with few kids enjoying reading or owning books.
  2. Reading long texts helps us think deeply and reflect on our ideas. Without it, we risk becoming shallow thinkers who can't fully understand complex issues.
  3. The decline in reading is a sign of bigger problems in society. We need to figure out why reading and thinking critically matter for our democracy and lives.

Is more democracy the answer?

12 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Voting Political theory Political engagement Citizenship
  1. More democracy might not be the simple answer to our problems. Just having more people vote doesn't mean they will actually connect or understand each other better.
  2. In today's world, people are often stuck in their own bubbles, only talking to those who agree with them. This leads to misunderstandings and makes it hard to find common ground.
  3. To improve democracy, we need to have real conversations and listen to one another. Creating spaces for open talk can help us understand each other and build stronger communities.
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Is more democracy the answer to our problems?

7 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Democracy Elections Political theory Governance Public Opinion
  1. Democracy can lead to results that many people dislike, but it's important to accept those results to keep the system functioning. This acceptance is called 'loser’s acceptance' and is crucial for a healthy democracy.
  2. Some thinkers suggest that we need more democracy to solve problems, arguing that involving more people in the process allows for better representation of diverse opinions and issues.
  3. However, there are concerns about whether increasing participation can really fix democratic issues, especially if citizens are misinformed or disillusioned about the system, which could lead to instability.

What's gone wrong at university

5 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🚌 Education Higher education Curriculum Development Academic standards
  1. Universities are becoming more focused on producing workers rather than promoting true learning. Students are often funneled into narrow paths instead of exploring a wide range of ideas and subjects.
  2. The pressure on universities to grow is leading to bigger class sizes and less individual attention for students. This results in a decline in the quality of education and weakens the relationships between students and teachers.
  3. There's a shared responsibility between the institutions and students for the decline in education standards. Everyone needs to push for better learning experiences instead of taking the easy way out.

The Assad Regime has failed

12 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Middle East Governance Geopolitics Conflict Sovereignty
  1. The Assad regime in Syria is losing control and authority. It relies heavily on foreign support from countries like Iran and Russia and hasn't regained full control of the country since the conflict started.
  2. The regime's tactics have led to a rise in extremist groups, which they initially released to undermine the rebellion. This strategy backfired and contributed to the ongoing violence and chaos.
  3. Despite appearances of strength, the Assad regime is weakening internally. It struggles to maintain power and legitimacy, leaving its future uncertain as it faces mounting challenges from within and outside.

Lottocracy review

3 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Elections Democracy Governance Political Reform
  1. Lottocracy suggests a new way to choose government representatives by randomly selecting people instead of voting. This idea aims to create a more fair and inclusive political system.
  2. The book examines the problems with current electoral politics, highlighting how special interests and political pressures often lead to poor decisions. It argues that a sortition system could address these issues by encouraging diverse voices and ideas.
  3. Guerrero discusses challenges that come with this new approach, including how to ensure the legitimacy and effectiveness of randomly selected citizens in governance. There's a call for more public engagement and education to make this system work better.

Why mental illness remains more complex than we may think

3 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Personal Experience Medical treatment Social Issues Literature
  1. Mental illness is more complicated than just being sick. It's shaped by social and cultural factors, not just medical ones.
  2. Long stays in mental health facilities can create comfort in being seen as 'ill.' This can make it hard for some people to seek recovery and explore their true selves.
  3. Labels like 'mental health' can feel safe for some but can also trap people. They may limit how we see ourselves and our potential.

Lessons From Syria: How the West failed and Syrians won

1 implied HN point • 15 Dec 24
🌍 World Politics Civil War Authoritarianism International relations Human Rights Revolution
  1. The Assad regime was extremely brutal, using violence and oppression to maintain control in Syria. Many civilians suffered and died because of this regime's actions during the civil war.
  2. Despite the challenges, the Syrian people showed great courage by rising up against oppression. Their determination led to the eventual fall of the Assad regime, proving that they can dream of and fight for a better future.
  3. The international community largely failed to support the Syrian people during their struggle. Many in the West mistakenly viewed Assad as a necessary leader, ignoring the reality of the brutal regime he led.

Why University Matters Beyond Jobs and Skills

16 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🚌 Education University Academia Teaching Higher education
  1. Universities are facing financial struggles due to a decline in student numbers, both domestic and international.
  2. There is a shift in the perception of universities, moving away from being seen as places of intellectual exploration to mere stepping stones for jobs.
  3. There is a call for universities to prioritize intellectual experiences over skill-building, avoid becoming 'skills factories,' and uphold honesty and standards.

Article in the critic 'F is for Fascism'

10 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
  1. In liberal democracies, correctly identifying fascism is essential to protect rights and democracy.
  2. Conflating conventional policies with fascism can blur the lines between regular parties and political extremism.
  3. Understanding the true nature of fascism, its historical roots, and modern manifestations like in North Korea and Syria, is crucial for preventing its spread.

The accumulation of knowledge

21 implied HN points • 29 May 23
📖 Philosophy Knowledge Reflection Productivity
  1. Living in an era of information abundance can make us feel like we do not have enough time.
  2. Reflecting on what we learn may be more beneficial than constantly striving for productivity.
  3. Focusing on constant productivity can lead to anxiety and a false sense of progress.

Beyond Mental Health Awareness- My latest in The Critic

9 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Social relationships Well-being Community Self-care
  1. Society's focus on mental health awareness may not always translate to effective support for those struggling.
  2. There is a complexity and unpredictability to mental illness that goes beyond simple slogans or depictions.
  3. Cultural shifts towards individualism can impact mental health, emphasizing the importance of interconnectedness and community support.

The right to do nothing

7 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Rights Personal freedom Political participation
  1. It can be valuable to recognize and respect the right to do nothing, even in a world that often glorifies constant activity and productivity.
  2. In the realm of politics, the choice to not participate should be acknowledged and accepted, as not everyone feels compelled or interested in engaging in political processes.
  3. Deciding how we spend our time is a personal choice, and it's important to appreciate that the right not to act is as significant as the right to act in various aspects of life.

The golden oldies

7 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🚌 Education Theory Teaching Learning
  1. It's important to study the foundational thinkers of political theory like Plato, Hobbes, and Locke, even if we don't always agree with them, as their ideas continue to shape contemporary debates about justice and freedom.
  2. Shortcuts in learning and work can lead to a lack of foundational knowledge and reduced quality in outcomes, affecting areas from education to construction.
  3. Putting in the hard work to learn the fundamentals is essential, even in a society where speed and quantity are often prioritized over quality, to avoid producing individuals who lack true understanding and depth of knowledge.

Regime Change Review

14 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Critique Liberalism Ideology
  1. Regime Change Review offers a solution to the dominant ideology of our times
  2. Critiques liberal democracy, provides an alternative
  3. Sequel to 'Why Liberalism Failed', serves as a manual for creating change

The limits of rights

14 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Rights
  1. The post discusses the concept of rights and entitlements.
  2. It mentions the statement 'No human being is illegal' in relation to the migrant crisis.
  3. There is an invitation to subscribe for a 7-day free trial to access full post archives.

Book Review: Limitarianism: The Case Against Extreme Wealth

5 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
🚌 Education Book review Philosophy
  1. Limitarianism discusses limiting consumption and extreme wealth to save the planet and address resource distribution issues
  2. The book presents arguments against extreme wealth but fails to provide solid first principle reasons for wealth limitation
  3. It criticizes the book for weak arguments, lack of rigorous first principles, and challenging style, suggesting it falls short in justifying its position on limiting wealth accumulation

Oppenheimer: Beyond the film

12 implied HN points • 24 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Cinema Film analysis Critique Art Nihilism
  1. The world of cinema is currently buzzing about Oppenheimer and the intriguing juxtaposition within the film.
  2. The author shares about their experience watching Oppenheimer with a perspective close to nihilism.
  3. Readers can access the full post and archives by subscribing to Theory Matters with a 7-day free trial.

Lost in Ideology review

3 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
📚 Literature Philosophy Ideology Critique Theory Scholarship
  1. Jason Blakely's book 'Lost in Ideology' offers a new and inventive approach to political and philosophical crises, suggesting that understanding differing maps of ideology can lead to better self-awareness and empathy.
  2. The book explores the idea that ideologies are culturally contingent and dives into various philosophical doctrines, pointing out strengths and weaknesses without rigidly advocating for a specific one.
  3. Blakely's work emphasizes precision and clarity in navigating intellectual traditions, avoiding oversimplification, and making valuable distinctions between different ideological schools and thinkers, making the text accessible for scholars and students alike.

Security- what is it?

1 implied HN point • 14 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics International relations Global Security Interconnectedness
  1. Feeling secure in love involves more than just practical reasons; it's about genuine acceptance and a deep connection.
  2. Personal security and international security share similarities - both can be influenced by factors like recognition and acceptance.
  3. States strive for security by building internal defenses and alliances, but the effectiveness of international organizations in ensuring peace and security is questionable.

Authenticity in politics

0 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political culture Political Trust Political Ethics Political Communication
  1. Authenticity means accepting ourselves, flaws and all. It's not about being perfect, but being real and honest.
  2. We often want authenticity in politics, but many politicians hide their true selves. This creates a gap between them and the public, making it hard to trust them.
  3. Some famous figures, like Trump, are seen as authentic because they openly show who they are, even if it's not always good. This honesty can help voters make better choices.

Trump Vs Mill

0 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Democracy Political theory Voter Behavior Governance
  1. Many people are questioning the value of democracy after Trump was re-elected, especially since he has a history of undermining it. It's making voters rethink what their choices mean.
  2. There's a concern about whether voters really understand the issues they are choosing between. If they lack knowledge, it affects how good their decisions can be.
  3. The current political system is criticized for not giving voters good options. Instead of a variety of meaningful choices, it feels like people are just picking the least harmful option.

From Paris to Washington DC

0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political parties Democracy Governance Public Opinion
  1. Engagement and love can change how we feel about our surroundings. A visit to Paris became magical because of the joy in personal connection and letting go of distractions.
  2. Being disconnected from the internet can actually be a good thing. It allowed a moment to enjoy life and surroundings without the usual digital noise.
  3. The political situation can deeply affect our emotions. Observing the election outcome from afar highlighted dissatisfaction with political choices and the need for change within party leadership.

Digital consent in the 21st century

0 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Media Ethics Politics Technology Social Issues
  1. Sex and politics are deeply connected. They can be used as powerful tools for expression that reveal our vulnerabilities and shape social norms.
  2. The internet has changed how we consume and view sex and pornography, making it more accessible but also raising ethical concerns about consent and exploitation.
  3. Consent in sexual relationships should be clear and enthusiastic, moving beyond just a basic agreement, as this impacts both partners and the performers in pornography.

Why I oppose echo chambers

0 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social media Public Discourse Political polarization Media influence
  1. Echo chambers can limit our perspectives. It's important to hear different opinions, as this helps us understand others better.
  2. Social media is a powerful tool, but how we use it matters. Choosing to only see certain viewpoints might make it harder to engage in meaningful discussions.
  3. We should be open to differing views in our communities. If we close ourselves off online, it can lead to misunderstandings and bigger arguments in real life.