S02E05: THE PALLIATIVE SOCIETY: BYUNG-CHUL HAN

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Tom and I review "The Palliative Society: Pain Today" by Byung-Chul Han, a Korean-born Professor of Philosophy and Cultural Studies who teaches at the Berlin University of the Arts.
The author chronicles how our societies today are characterized by a universal algophobia: a generalized fear of pain. We strive to avoid all painful conditions - even the pain of love is treated as suspect. This algophobia extends into society: less and less space is given to conflicts and controversies that might prompt painful discussions.
The phenomenon takes a hold of politics too: politics becomes a palliative politics that is incapable of implementing radical reforms that might be painful, so all we get is more of the same.

[@martinb3483]

Nice discussion. Thanks. 🙂 As a German I have seen a book of him some years ago in the bookstore, but I ignored it, because I did not have the intention to buy something philosophical. So, actually I was not really aware of Byung-Chul Han until I read a book by Reinhard Stelter ("The art of dialogue in coaching") who refers to Byung-Chul Han's "Burnout-Society". I started reading his books last year in May. In the meanwhile I have 6 or 7 of his books in my shelf. Amazed by his excellent observations and writing style. Indeed he describes many of my impressions and thoughts, when I travelled around and compared different cultures and societies, in very clear words. For example what you mention at the timestamp 44:22 ... one of my thoughts was: we like to pay our tribute to insurances to get rid off responsibility for each other, while other societies (e.g. in Southeast Asia) that we might call "less developed" rely on mutual aid. Question is: are we really that much more developed or is it rather a sign for the beginning of a decline? --- best regards.

[@martinb3483]

also interesting: I can find a dozen articles in German newspapers. But, not too much. I did not find German youtubers who discuss this author. In my opinion he deserves much more publicity... offering so many good insights.

[@jamesmanning8269]

These are the kind of meaningful podcasts I’ve been looking for. I’m currently reading the book, and I found this podcast about it. It was really a good talk. Thanks for making this!

[@DeeGuzel]

In one of the interview, Chul Han said, he only writes 3 sentences a day. So he doesn't write pages and pages and select words and sentences.

[@kieran_forster_artist]

Great honest discussion

[@atf940]

What was the new that you read?

[@martinb3483]

I believe the latest book of this author is "Spirit of Hope"

[@martinhovorka69]

Unfortunately, typical philosophical discussion with little structure, direction, logical argument and overall goal. Non productive and confusing for anyone who did not read the book instead of introducing author's main concepts in condensed and clear form. Not many people have so much time to waste like philosophers do.