Theodore Dalrymple
Theodore Dalrymple is a conservative English cultural critic, prison physician and psychiatrist. He worked in a number of Sub-Saharan African countries as well as in the East End of London. Before his retirement in 2005, he worked in City Hospital, Birmingham and Winson Green Prison in inner-city Birmingham, England. In his writing, Daniels frequently argues that the leftist views prevalent within Western intellectual circles minimise the responsibility of individuals for their own actions and undermine traditional mores, contributing to the formation within prosperous countries of an underclass afflicted by endemic violence, criminality, sexually transmitted diseases, welfare dependency, and drug abuse. Much of Dalrymple's writing is based on his experience of working with criminals and the mentally ill.
Books Mentioned in this Podcast with Jordan Peterson & Theodore Dalrymple:
Book Title: Life At The Bottom: The Worldview That Makes The Underclass
Author: Theodore Dalrymple
Book Title: Our Culture, What’s Left Of It – The Mandarins And The Masses
Author: Theodore Dalrymple
Book Title: Not With A Bang But A Whimper
Author: Theodore Dalrymple
Book Title: Spoilt Rotten
Author: Theodore Dalrymple
Book Title: The Terror Of Existence
Author: Theodore Dalrymple and Kenneth Francis
Summary of The Jordan B Peterson Podcast #170 - Theodore Dalrymple
In episode 170 of The Jordan B Peterson podcast, Jordan B Peterson interviews Theodore Dalrymple, a retired British prison doctor and writer, about the current state of culture and the left. The conversation delves into several topics, including the impact of the left on Western culture, the problems with identity politics, and the dangers of political correctness.
Impact of the Left on Western Culture:
The discussion begins with Peterson asking Dalrymple about his views on the impact of the left on Western culture. Dalrymple argues that the left has played a significant role in eroding traditional Western values, such as the importance of the family and individual responsibility. He argues that the left has a utopian vision of society, which they believe can only be achieved by destroying the existing order.
Problems with Identity Politics:
Peterson and Dalrymple then turn their attention to identity politics, a term used to describe the politics of identity and the struggles of various groups for recognition and representation. Dalrymple argues that identity politics is deeply problematic, as it seeks to divide society into competing groups and undermine the common bonds that hold it together. He also believes that identity politics is an outgrowth of postmodernism, which denies the existence of objective truth and universal values.
Dangers of Political Correctness:
The conversation then moves on to political correctness, a term used to describe the avoidance of language or actions that might be considered offensive to certain groups. Dalrymple argues that political correctness is not simply about manners, but rather represents a real threat to free speech and open discourse. He believes that political correctness is used to shut down debate and silence dissenting voices, particularly those that challenge the dominant narrative.
Role of the Intellectuals:
Peterson and Dalrymple conclude their discussion by considering the role of intellectuals in shaping culture and politics. Dalrymple argues that intellectuals have a responsibility to engage with society and offer critiques of its values and institutions. He believes that the intellectual class has failed in this responsibility, and that it has instead become complicit in the destruction of traditional Western values. Peterson agrees, and argues that intellectuals have a duty to defend the values of the Enlightenment and to promote rationality and free speech.
Conclusion
In conclusion, episode 170 of The Jordan B Peterson podcast offers a fascinating discussion on culture and the left with Theodore Dalrymple. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the impact of the left on Western culture, the problems with identity politics, and the dangers of political correctness. Peterson and Dalrymple both argue that intellectuals have a responsibility to engage with society and to promote rationality and free speech. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the current state of Western culture and the role of intellectuals in shaping it.