Professor Cornel West - Lecture One: Philosophic Prelude

Prof. Cornel West delivers the 2024 Gifford Lecture Series at the University of Edinburgh, titled ‘A Jazz-soaked Philosophy for our Catastrophic Times: From Socrates to Coltrane’. This is the first of six lectures, titled ‘Philosophic Prelude’.
In this first lecture, Prof. West asks: How do we emerge from the bleakness of our catastrophic times?
He summarises: ‘In seeking a way forward, I will proceed on three philosophic levels - the genealogical, existential and pedagogical. The genealogical, or historical, level of my analysis will set the stage, and my period will be broadly the Age of Europe (1492-1945) and Age of America (1945-2024). The existential level of my analysis will embrace the lived experiences of struggling, suffering creatures. The pedagogical level will be classical in character and musical in content. My overall theme will resonate with the three pillars of jazz - blues (tragicomic catastrophe lyrically expressed), swing (myopic time opened to new possibilities) and improvisation (practical wisdom and timely interventions unleashed).’
Prof. West is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Professor of Philosophy & Christian Practice, Union Theological Seminary, New York. His teaching and publications focus on roles of race, gender, and class struggle in American society, synthesizing influences from Christianity, the Black Church, democratic socialism, left-wing populism, neopragmatism and transcendentalism. A musician and spoken word artist, Prof. West has collaborated with acts across the rap, hip-hop and funk genres, as well as appearing in the Matrix series and many documentary films.
The prestigious Gifford Lectureships, held at the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and St Andrews, have been delivered annually since 1888 by a succession of distinguished international scholars. The Lectureships were established by Adam Lord Gifford (1820-1887) to ‘promote and diffuse the study of Natural Theology in the widest sense of the term - in other words, the knowledge of God’, and have enabled a most notable field of scholars to contribute to the advancement of theological thought.
Find out more about the Gifford Lectures: www.ed.ac.uk/arts-humanities-...
Gifford Lectures blog: blogs.ed.ac.uk/gifford-lectures/
Please note that the captions have been automatically generated.

[@Hamidurw]

4 questions How does integrity face oppression ? How does honesty confront deception? How does decency respond to attack? How does courage make its way in the faces of brute forces? Integrity Honesty Decency Courage Hegel said human history is a slaughterhouse. A history of organised greed Institutionalised hatred Routinised indifference to the vulnerable The indifference the evil is more insidious than evil itself. William James said the difference is the one trait that makes the very angel weep. 68th African empire Historians and philosophers know that the most part of the history full of madness and imbecility

[@jillfryer6699]

how? head on. irreversible.

[@TrueJusticeisHistory]

I want cornell west for next president of the united states. we need change when there's no change. We need radicalized people but in smiles and so radical and so animated only cornell west can pull naturally.

[@OmarPerez-ns1lj]

If Americans make a rationed vote like we did in Mexico recently with Claudia Shiembaum, Cornel West is the man who could save the United States from leading the world into World War III with Biden or continuing American imperialism with Trump. While with Cornel West all americans would make history due to the fact that americans would have for the first time a capitalist government with a socialist orientation of Henri de Saint Simón I say this because of the way this man speaks. But the sad thing is that Mr. West has no chance of winning, because the favorite of the masses is Trump. Although the winds of change have blown lately. Americans, be smart, Have the courage to change the destiny of your lives and the world with your reasoned vote. Biden knocks down every Chinese peace attempt in Ukraine and gives this country permission to attack Russian cities. Now I ask you, who is the bad guy?

[@allanc2827]

Before TV, internet, billboards, Mainstream Media, Foxy News MSNBC, people looked in the newspapers in the 'debate/lecture section' and attended two or three hour live programs. My grandparents told me that's what they did when they were young every weekend. If you can't sit through 90 minutes without CGI, maybe the enemy is you.

[@shoukatbeigh7482]

So great, i feel wordless in his praise, totally mind boggling lecture and i have never watched such a effective eloquent speech in whole 50 year old life ❤❤❤❤❤.

[@carlushudson1535]

An absolute pleasure to listen to Professor Cornel West at the University of Edinburgh.

[@naserrahman1877]

May Allah empower u for speaking up for the Palestinian resistance.

[@manlikeJoe1010]

Repent to the Lord Jesus Christ and abandon your pagan nonsense

[@orange5990]

@@manlikeJoe1010 respect others, and have some empathy for those around you "love thy neighbor"

[@worlea-saywahdunah7619]

Professor your profound articulations of the challenges of humanity is amazing, so far, the only American I know who speaks truth to power; yet I am excited that he still finds hope for the redemption of his society as he seeks the presidency. Indeed, Africa is wrestling with the entanglements, the historical encroachments of colonialism and in our times cultural imperialism - I die every day, learning to die in other to live and wrestle daily with the catastrophe.....

[@KamiliAndersonBSNRN-HealthWell]

You merge so beautifully, philosophical wisdom (black & non-black) into the “swing” of rhythmic flow….internal & external, you awaken the blues within. You inspire self-reflection and awareness. You wrap love around ideology. You heal with grace🙏🏾

[@OmarPerez-ns1lj]

If Americans make a rationed vote like we did in Mexico recently with Claudia Shiembaum, Cornel West is the man who could save the United States from leading the world into World War III with Biden or continuing American imperialism with Trump. While with Cornel West all americans would make history due to the fact that americans would have for the first time a capitalist government with a socialist orientation of Henri de Saint Simón I say this because of the way this man speaks. But the sad thing is that Mr. West has no chance of winning, because the favorite of the masses is Trump. Although the winds of change have blown lately. Americans, be smart, Have the courage to change the destiny of your lives and the world with your reasoned vote. Biden knocks down every Chinese peace attempt in Ukraine and gives this country permission to attack Russian cities. Now I ask you, who is the bad guy?

[@Altruismisreal27]

I am just amazed at Cornel West’s memory!

[@paulbedard4799]

Professor Cornel West is ever good,honest,and decent man and woman’s Teacher, Fathern figure,and life long guide. Dear friend of all decency we have left, my gift in life is comedy, your gift to humanity is a blessing beyond my capacity of putting into words. Thank you for teaching me.

[@evanfirebrand]

He is simply phenomenal.

[@creatingpeace8945]

In his element & makes a listener lean, to resource her own learning. That’s a supreme benefit in surveying one’s references that reverb round love in this frightful world that historically (?) has teetered on & in catastrophe. Jesus‼️ Dr West❤

[@JosephDuvernay]

I perceive that a Kindness! Thank You! I am at Mssr. West's Lecture 3 & 4 today. And after cooking and a bit of Saturday cleaning am so looking forward to it. Again, for this traveler, it's Love, Knowledge, Kindness, Just Forgiveness---breathe!

[@abooswalehmosafeer173]

Wow,what a panoramic conversation

[@drake8846]

Amazing teacher, thank you Dr. West. Sadhu. Sadhu, Sadhu, Respect, Respect, Respect. 🙏🙏🙏

[@NgariiT]

Food for the brain. Simply delicious.

[@ThatMellowGuyDavid]

so pleased to see this - Prof West has the necessary focus for politickin

[@martinm1740]

An articulate brother always trips the haters. Its 2024 yes but theres still are people who cant believe a brother can be an intellectual. I give CW his due. Man did his homework a while ago so he talks out of his heart not just his head.

[@SalimMaroun-fb5rd]

Thank you so much we are all Brothers or sisters to this world we are all connected, do you speak the same language the language of the mind ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@haroldcheeseburger]

This man is a gift, thank you!

[@conradnoel]

The hate doled out to Prof West on here is very similar to that which Socrates received. Interesting that.

[@jillfryer6699]

I see no hate here at all. It must've been cleaned out over the last 2 weeks!

[@conradnoel]

Yes. It’s been cleaned.

[@brendankolar1370]

reminder to the USians to vote for this guy for president!

[@lorainebaird]

I'm voting for him!

[@jillfryer6699]

you could do a lot worse. of course its easy to give advice for me who has no connection to the USA!

[@JosephDuvernay]

Why am i so Happy?

[@Salam99-1]

Because you started from catastrophe, and didn't let it have the last word ;)

[@jillfryer6699]

Why would you not be?

[@leeli2690]

Thanks sifu ❤

[@louisesumrell6331]

Thank you 🙏

[@fredwooten14]

West for President!

[@LoveofFinancialEducation]

Socrates to Coltrane 😮😮😮...💕❤️♥️🙏

[@jillfryer6699]

gogogo

[@BrokenneckYgor]

Dr C speaks for thee

[@naturegirl4803]

feeling great listening to him.

[@nawafdreams]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 *🙏 Gratitude and Humility* - Expression of gratitude towards those who facilitated Professor West's visit and his dedication of the. - Acknowledgment of the sources of good in his life, from family to mentors and philosophers. - 00:37 🌎 University of Edinburgh and Gifford Lectures - Introduction to the University of Edinburgh and the prestigious Gifford Lectureship series. - Overview of the history and significance of the Gifford Lectures, including notable past speakers. 01:33 *🏛️ Introducing Professor Cornel West* - Biographical background of Professor Cornel West, including his academic and intellectual accomplishments. - Explanation of the themes and approach he will take in his Gifford Lecture series. 06:14 *🎶 A Jazz-Soaked Philosophy* - Professor West's conviction that philosophy can be a "force for good in a broken world." - His plan to mobilize philosophic and artistic resources, particularly from the jazz tradition, to address the challenges of our times. 07:11 *🌍 Philosophic Levels of Analysis* - The three philosophic levels Professor West will explore: genealogical (historical), existential, and pedagogical. - The resonance of his overall theme with the three pillars of jazz: tragedy, swing, and improvisation. 09:16 *🙌 Piety and Vocation* - Professor West's understanding of piety as the acknowledgment of the sources of good in one's life. - The formative influences and personal experiences that have shaped his philosophical vocation and calling. 00:00 *🙏 Gratitude and Humility* - Expression of gratitude towards those who facilitated Professor West's visit and his dedication of the lectures. - Acknowledgment of the sources of good in his life, from family to mentors and philosophers. 01:33 *🌎 University of Edinburgh and Gifford Lectures* - Introduction to the University of Edinburgh and the prestigious Gifford Lectureship series. - Overview of the history and significance of the Gifford Lectures, including notable past speakers. 06:14 *🎶 A Jazz-Soaked Philosophy* - Professor West's conviction that philosophy can be a "force for good in a broken world." - His plan to mobilize philosophic and artistic resources, particularly from the jazz tradition, to address the challenges of our times. 09:16 *🙌 Piety and Vocation* - Professor West's understanding of piety as the acknowledgment of the sources of good in one's life. - The formative influences and personal experiences that have shaped his philosophical vocation and calling. 32:30 *💔 Catastrophe and the Blues* - The blues as a personal narrative of catastrophe, lyrically expressed and artistically transfigured. - The acknowledgment of death, domination, and nihilism as central themes in the blues tradition. - The blues' subversive piety and pursuit of moral and spiritual greatness in the face of overwhelming adversity. 47:49 *🎶 Swing and Improvisation* - The role of swing in fighting off nihilism, fatalism, and despair, while maintaining a sense of joy and love. - Improvisation as a form of practical wisdom and timely intervention, rather than just a technical skill. 59:17 *📖 Vocation and Integrity* - The distinction between career and calling, profession and vocation, as explored by Max Weber. - Weber's wrestling with the preservation of intellectual integrity in a world of catastrophe and the collapse of the age of Europe. 01:01:08 *💼 Ethics of Conviction and Responsibility* - Max Weber's exploration of the tension between the ethics of conviction and the ethics of responsibility. - The challenge of preserving authenticity and integrity in the face of a disenchanted world. - The complementary nature of these ethical frameworks in cultivating the authentic human being with a vocation in politics. 01:04:24 *🤔 Socrates' Daimon and the Way Up and Down* - The significance of Socrates' daimon and his discovery of practicing the arts and music in the jail cell. - The connection between the way down and the way up, suggesting that light may be found in the depths of catastrophe. 01:06:15 *🎶 Swinging with Professor West* - Audience's eagerness to engage with Professor West's "jazz-soaked philosophy" in the upcoming lectures. - The anticipation of the Gifford Lectures "swinging" as the series progresses. 01:08:50 *🎷 Coltrane and the Broader Jazz Tradition* - Addressing the musicologist's question about the significance of focusing on John Coltrane, rather than other radical figures in the jazz tradition. - The balance between preserving the individuality and uniqueness of Coltrane, while also situating him within the broader context of the jazz tradition. 01:12:33 *🧠 Approaching the Question of Death* - Reflections on the philosophical and practical challenges of addressing the complex issues surrounding death, from euthanasia to the denial of death in transhumanism. - The need for a nuanced, context-sensitive approach that balances principles of compassion and sensitivity with practical wisdom. 01:17:18 *🇵🇸 Radical Love and the Palestine Question* - The long-standing struggle to raise awareness and address the injustices faced by the Palestinian people, despite the persistence of liberal blockages and indifference. - The importance of maintaining moral consistency and incorporating spirituality and morality into the discourse around resistance and liberation movements. Made with HARPA AI

[@frodobaggins6270]

Lecturer speaks at @9:13

[@dankerusmusic3608]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@robb6059]

Śrīla Prabhupāda: World activities should be regulated so that God is the ultimate goal of understanding. Although the church or the brāhmaṇas, may not directly carry out administrative activities, the gov-ernment should function under their supervision and instructions.

[@OmarPerez-ns1lj]

If Americans make a rationed vote like we did in Mexico recently with Claudia Shiembaum, Cornel West is the man who could save the United States from leading the world into World War III with Biden or continuing American imperialism with Trump. While with Cornel West all americans would make history due to the fact that americans would have for the first time a capitalist government with a socialist orientation of Henri de Saint Simón I say this because of the way this man speaks. But the sad thing is that Mr. West has no chance of winning, because the favorite of the masses is Trump. Although the winds of change have blown lately. Americans, be smart, Have the courage to change the destiny of your lives and the world with your reasoned vote. Biden knocks down every Chinese peace attempt in Ukraine and gives this country permission to attack Russian cities. Now I ask you, who is the bad guy? Make history Americans, stop the end of the world by electing this great man to lead your country.

[@GloriaCompton]

wow

[@SleepyPenguin-8og]

Imagine "action bronson" 🎬 on the don killuminati lp lol

[@AdamOmar-tm8kv]

All arab, Muslims, and everyone have morals and ethics, ethics love this country USA should and must elect Mr.West

[@AdamOmar-tm8kv]

As president of the USA

[@janklaas6885]

📍1:02:06

[@goddoc97]

Really, Edinburgh?

[@thekid4779]

Hmm?

[@johnhelm6231]

Who wants a great new president named Cornel West 🍀✨💫👍✌️😎.

[@user-be9oq5tf1d]

🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😱

[@joecolleenjenkins3462]

I AM A FAN of DR WEST - however, for those who are not - move on , this is not for you

[@James-ll3jb]

Hey yoyo, maybe some of us who are not stuck in an adolescent fandom vis-a-vis West would like to see if they can glean something of value from his rampant ramblings. He WAS canned by Harvard after all!😅

[@michaelmorris5755]

How strange. Our times are not catastrophic. Life has never been better.

[@doncampbelljr.usmcret.3197]

OSWALD BATES 😂WANNABE

[@DianaStevens42]

That’s not what piety means

[@garyhalfway]

What does it means?

[@joelgoldsmith4747]

@@garyhalfway No answer yet, to the question given? I really do wonder sometimes.🤔

[@garyhalfway]

In german language we have a word for this: Banausen!

[@capitalist.ltd.economics]

capitalist ltd economics is our solution. see materials

[@Owl350]

I wouldn't trust you or him if you think this way.

[@user-jm6rl3hm1y]

He still love u even if u think that way just as God still loves u

[@OmarPerez-ns1lj]

Then vote for Trump and white supremacy

[@curtrod]

woe is us woe is us word salad, don't you ever get tired of being ethnocentric?

[@explore-n]

smart and deranged like Don King

[@joshnova9163]

How such a mediocre mind has established even a modicum of academic credibility is astonishing

[@JapanFound]

And your resume is where?

[@Peggyg13]

@@JapanFound😂 very brilliant clap back . Thank you for this.

[@2Goiz_1ShanDA]

Brothers mercy blah blah blah. Sell that product dear "brother West" 🙄I have about as much trust left in him as I do in "brother Bernie" ... Yea I seen enough of the stik he's been doing for decades. Almost like a set narrative? Hmm 🤔 deniability?

[@jessd4048]

A person could make some fair criticisms of the man but the depths of his scholarship isn’t one of them.

[@782YKW]

You are a troll

[@edwright9659]

@@jessd4048Really? For the word attentively he said attentitively twice in a row. What is the name for that sort of scholarship?

[@jessd4048]

@@edwright9659 if you haven’t read his books or attended his classes please pipe down.

[@edwright9659]

@@jessd4048 It's all I can do to make it through this lecture 1 philosophic prelude nonsensical gibberish. But like I said he does appeal to the naïve & gullible

[@masambeni]

Always been underwhelmed by this individual from his appearances on TV. Still underwhelmed. Platitudes and hot air. Woke academic appointment

[@isaacbell2426]

What does woke mean?

[@masambeni]

@@isaacbell2426 means he is where he is in the academic world because he is black

[@isaacbell2426]

@@masambeni oh wow! Does that mean all black academics acquired their position because of race?

[@masambeni]

@@isaacbell2426 not too bright are you?

[@masambeni]

@@isaacbell2426 an academic you're not for sure

[@tmlavenz]

Playing the preacher as usual 🙄