
Aaron Simmons: The Paradox of Democracy & What Comes Next
02/20/25 • 91 min
1 Listener
In this episode, philosopher Aaron Simmons returns for an intriguing discussion on the complexities of sustaining democracy. The conversation spans various philosophical insights from thinkers such as Robert Talese, Chantal Mouffe, and Simon Critchley. We explore tensions between political equality and justice, the paradox of democracy, and the necessity of engaging agonistically with adversaries. Aaron also shares his experiences teaching Radical Political Theory, addressing the intricacies of class tensions, bad faith discourse, and the compelling ethical demands that challenge contemporary democratic practices.
You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube
Dr. Simmons is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Furman University. You can follow his Substack ‘Philosophy in the Wild.‘
Previous Episodes with Aaron
- A Philosopher & Ethicist Process This Election
- The Courage to Be 15 w/ Elgin Fuller & Aaron Simmons
- Aaron Simmons: Camping with Kierkegaard
- Faith After Deconstruction
- Philosophy & the Experience of God
- Do I Have a Soul? & other cultural preferences in bold.
- Off-Road Religion & Pandemic Philosophizing
A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan
Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.
Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.
_____________________
Join our class - TRUTH IN TOUGH TIMES: Global Voices of Liberation
This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com
Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.
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In this episode, philosopher Aaron Simmons returns for an intriguing discussion on the complexities of sustaining democracy. The conversation spans various philosophical insights from thinkers such as Robert Talese, Chantal Mouffe, and Simon Critchley. We explore tensions between political equality and justice, the paradox of democracy, and the necessity of engaging agonistically with adversaries. Aaron also shares his experiences teaching Radical Political Theory, addressing the intricacies of class tensions, bad faith discourse, and the compelling ethical demands that challenge contemporary democratic practices.
You can WATCH this conversation on YouTube
Dr. Simmons is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Furman University. You can follow his Substack ‘Philosophy in the Wild.‘
Previous Episodes with Aaron
- A Philosopher & Ethicist Process This Election
- The Courage to Be 15 w/ Elgin Fuller & Aaron Simmons
- Aaron Simmons: Camping with Kierkegaard
- Faith After Deconstruction
- Philosophy & the Experience of God
- Do I Have a Soul? & other cultural preferences in bold.
- Off-Road Religion & Pandemic Philosophizing
A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan
Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.
Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.
_____________________
Join our class - TRUTH IN TOUGH TIMES: Global Voices of Liberation
This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com
Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Previous Episode

Ruben Rosario Rodriguez: Theology, Liberation, & The Reformed Tradition
In the episode, Ruben Rosario Rodriguez joins the podcast to discuss his unique blend of the reformed tradition and liberation theology, from his personal backstory rooted in the history of American colonialism in Puerto Rico to his deep dive into the theological influence of luminaries like Calvin and Tillich, Ruben shares how his vocation as a theologian was shaped. He addresses critical issues like the role of liberation theology in socio-political contexts, systemic racism, and the modern political landscape's impact on faith communities. This compelling discussion also delves into practical wisdom, the importance of community in theological work, and the pressing issues facing the American church today.
You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube
Dr.Ruben Rosario Rodriguez is the Clarence Louis and Helen Steber Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University. His books include Calvin for the World: The Enduring Relevance of His Political, Social, and Economic Theology, Theological Fragments, Dogmatics after Babel: Beyond the Theologies of Word and Culture, and the edited volume T&T Clark Handbook of Political Theology. An ordained minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan
Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.
Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.
_____________________
Join our class - TRUTH IN TOUGH TIMES: Global Voices of Liberation
This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com
Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Next Episode

Philip Goff: Finding Faith and Cosmic Purpose
In this episode, philosopher Philip Goff returns to the podcast to discuss a variety of stimulating topics, including the meaning of life as heretical Christianity, the concept of panpsychism, and how these ideas often spark debates and opinions on all sides. The conversation delves into the fine-tuning of the universe, the problem of evil, the evolution of spiritual beliefs, and the burgeoning interest in making religion more accessible and comprehensible to liberals. Throughout the episode, they explore deep philosophical questions, the role of religious fictionalism, the significance of consciousness and free will in understanding cosmic purpose, and the nuances of maintaining faith in uncertain times. Filled with unique insights and intellectual rigor, this episode offers an enriching exploration of spirituality, philosophy, and how they interconnect in daily life.
You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube
Philip Goff is a philosophy professor at Durham University, UK. His most recent book is Why? The Purpose of the Universe. For an introduction to panpsychism, check out Galileo's Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness. Philip recently moved to SubStack so check it out here.
Check out Goff's previous visit to the podcast: From Panpsychism to Religious Fictionalism
A Five-Week Online Lenten Class w/ John Dominic Crossan
Join us for a transformative 5-week Lenten journey on "Paul the Pharisee: Faith and Politics in a Divided World."This course examines the Apostle Paul as a Pharisee deeply engaged with the turbulent political and religious landscape of his time.
Through the lens of his letters and historical context, we will explore Paul’s understanding of Jesus’ Life-Vision, his interpretation of the Execution-and-Resurrection, and their implications for nonviolence and faithful resistance against empire. Each week, we will delve into a specific aspect of Paul’s theology and legacy, reflecting on its relevance for our own age of autocracy and political turmoil. . For details and to sign-up for any donation, including 0, head over here.
_____________________
Join our class - TRUTH IN TOUGH TIMES: Global Voices of Liberation
This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 80,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 45 classes at www.TheologyClass.com
Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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