Eric Schmid, Connor Tomaka and Guido Gamboa October 28, 2023
The intricate interplay between nations is often shaped by the intellectual currents of their times. Gilles Chatelet, a renowned mathematician and philosopher, offers a unique perspective on this dynamic in an interview that sheds light on the broader geopolitical landscape, especially concerning the US’s influence on French international relations.
- Market Democracies and the World Market: Chatelet begins by addressing the over-whelming presence of ”postmodern capitalism,” describing it as a ”complex and extremely deadly machine” that threatens to engulf states, knowledge, bodies, and thoughts. He laments the trans- formation of history into a series of ”surprise parties,” where significant events are flattened out and equated with mere trends, such as ”the 2CV years, the Yoplait years, the Reagan years, the Star Wars years. . . ” (Chatelet, p.7). This perspective underscores the influence of global market forces, often driven by US-centric economic policies, on shaping international relations and historical narratives.
- Democracy and Mediocrity: Chatelet critiques the contemporary understanding of democracy, stating that it has become synonymous with mediocrity. He argues that any activity aspiring to excellence is now viewed with suspicion and labeled as elitist. This ”tyranny of the lowbrow” establishes a uniformity that suppresses genuine intellectual and cultural pursuits (Chatelet, p.10). The influence of American culture, which Chatelet suggests is experiencing exhaustion (Chatelet, p.10), might be seen as a driving force behind this global push towards mediocrity.
- The Spirit of the Times: Reflecting on the late 70s, Chˆatelet speaks of the era of ”post- leftism” and the ”victorious o↵ensive of the Liberal Counter-Reformation.” He mentions the success of ’setting the record straight’ during this period (Chˆatelet, p.7). This could be interpreted as the rise of neoliberal policies, championed by the US, influencing French political and economic landscapes. 4. The Role of Intellectuals: Chatelet emphasizes the importance of intellectuals in society, suggesting
that their work is often exhausting as they constantly have to point out the obvious, akin to shouting that ”the emperor has no clothes” (Chˆatelet, p.5). The influence of US-centric ideologies and market- driven policies might be seen as challenging the traditional role of intellectuals in French society, pushing them to take on a more critical stance.
5. The Market and Democracy: Chatelet draws a parallel between the market and democracy, suggesting that the latter has been perverted to serve the former. He notes that in France, demo racy began to be seen as a ”photocopy of the market” during Giscard’s era, reflecting the increasing intertwining of economic and political spheres (Chatelet, p.9).
In conclusion, Gilles Chatelet’s interview o↵ers a profound exploration of the societal and intellec- tual dynamics in France, especially in the context of global market forces and the influence of US-centric
policies. While not directly addressing US-French relations, the themes discussed provide a backdrop against which the broader geopolitical interactions between the two nations can be understood.
Interplay of Music, Mathematics, and Philosophy
Eric Schmid October 28, 2023
1 Uses and Abuses of of Math
In an era marked by the convergence of diverse disciplines, We present a compelling exploration that intertwines the realms of music, mathematics, and philosophy. This exploration serves not merely as a recounting of facts but as a profound argument underscoring the interconnectedness of these domains and their collective impact on human understanding.
We initiate the discourse by delving into the narrative of Drexciya, a Detroit electro-techno outfit formed in 1989. They emerged into the limelight in 1994 with ”Aquatic Invasion.” The enigmatic members, James Stinson and Gerald Donald, crafted a unique mythology, envisioning a ”Drexciyan” race of underwater beings descended from pregnant slaves cast overboard during trans-Atlantic de- portations. Their music, as We articulate, serves as a conduit between their African heritage and the modern USA. ”Their music…was imagined as a ’dimensional jumphole’ between their black African roots and the contemporary USA” [Page 1].
Transitioning from music to the realm of French historical epistemology, We shed light on the works of Jean Cavaill`es and Gaston Bachelard. The influence of this intellectual tradition on structuralism is evident, with notable contributions from thinkers like Jean-Toussaint Desanti. We further discuss Bourbaki’s mathematical structuralism from 1950, posing a pertinent question: can it be regarded as
philosophical structuralism? We argue that category theory o↵ers a form of ”philosophical structural- ism,” even if Bourbaki did not incorporate these categorical methods. ”Category theory provides a
’philosophical structuralism’ (as Steve Awodey has said) even though Bourbaki did not include these categorical methods in their treatises” [Page 2].
Drawing inspiration from Grothendieck’s ”r´ecoltes et semailles,” We employ the metaphor of build- ing houses to elucidate the nature of mathematical exploration. Grothendieck’s reflections on his mathematical journey underscore the dichotomy between mathematicians who operate within a fixed conceptual framework and those driven to innovate. We compellingly argue that while some are con- tent with maintaining and embellishing inherited knowledge, others, akin to builders or pioneers, are propelled to create anew. ”Most mathematicians…are inclined to constrain themselves to a conceptual framework…They are like the heirs of a large and beautiful fully-furnished house” [Pages 2-3].
In conclusion, We assert that the intricate tapestry of music, history, philosophy, and mathematics o↵ers profound insights into the nature of creation, innovation, and the human drive to understand and express. This argument serves as a testament to the boundless potential of interdisciplinary exploration and its capacity to enrich human knowledge.
Forthcoming essay on US-France international relations
Eric Schmid October 27, 2023
1 Abstract
The dynamics of international relations are often influenced by internal shifts within nations, and France’s relationship with the US in the realm of foreign a↵airs is no exception. One of the most intriguing aspects of this relationship is the changing attitudes of French intellectuals, especially their evolving perspectives on leftist ideologies and parties. This intellectual shift, as detailed in a CIA dossier titled ”France: Defection of the Leftist Intellectuals,” provides valuable insights into the broader
political and diplomatic landscape between France and the US.
Historically, ”Intellectuals have traditionally played an influential role in French political life. They have conditioned the political atmosphere and have often shaped political and ideological trends” (Dossier). Their influence has been so profound that their ideological leanings and affiliations can be seen as a barometer for the nation’s broader political and diplomatic orientations.
In the post-World War II era, the left, especially the Communists, attracted a significant portion of the intellectual community in France. Their alignment was not just ideological but was also rooted in the resistance against fascism and the Nazi occupation. However, as the dossier notes, by the late 1960s, a shift began to emerge. Some intellectuals started to challenge and criticize the left, marking the beginning of a significant transformation in the intellectual landscape (Dossier).
One of the most notable shifts was the distancing of ”Leftist intellectuals… from socialism since the early 1970s” (Dossier). This change was spearheaded by a group known as the ”New Philosophers,” many of whom rejected Marxism and developed a strong antipathy towards the Soviet Union. This sentiment weakened the traditional anti-American stance that was prevalent among leftist intellectuals. The dossier highlights this shift, noting a ”spirit of anti-Marxism and anti-Sovietism” that emerged among intellectuals (Dossier).
This intellectual evolution had broader implications for France’s foreign a↵airs, especially its re- lationship with the US. The weakening of traditional anti-American sentiments among intellectuals
suggested a potential for closer alignment or at least a more nuanced engagement between France and the US. The dossier’s observation that this shift made it difficult ”to mobilize significant intellectual opposition to US policies” (Dossier) underscores the potential for a more collaborative approach in foreign affairs.
However, it’s essential to note that while the intellectual shift indicated a potential thawing of relations, it did not guarantee a seamless alignment between France and the US. The complexities of international diplomacy, historical baggage, and national interests ensured that the relationship remained multifaceted and dynamic.
In conclusion, the changing attitudes of French intellectuals, as detailed in the CIA dossier, o↵er a unique lens to understand the intricacies of France-US relations in foreign affairs. While intellectuals’ perspectives do not dictate foreign policy, they certainly influence the atmosphere in which such policies are crafted and executed. As nations navigate the complex world of international diplomacy, understanding these internal shifts becomes crucial in anticipating and shaping future engagements.