RIchard Lichtman: Cry the Corrupted Country: Reflections on the Psychpathology of Capitalism April 16, 2012

Hosted by C.S. Soong

$12 advance tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/241228 t: 800-838-3006 or: Pegasus Books (3 locations), Mrs. Dalloway’s, Moe’s Books, Walden Pond, DIESEL, A Bookstore, in SF - Modern Times Bookstore ($15 at door) $9/HC members
Information: www.kpfa.org/events KPFA benefit

There is a strong inclination in U.S. social thought to regard the past as a golden age, and to view systemic corruption as a more recent phenomenon. But tendencies toward corruption have been present since this nation’s inception. Over the centuries those tendencies have waxed and waned, but they have never been absent, and at this moment they are regrouping and amassing with particular vehemence. Lichtman addresses the historical forces at play, the current conjuncture, and possibilities for meaningful resistance.

Richard Lichtman is a philosopher, a social critic, and professor emeritus of psychology at the Wright Institute in Berkeley. He has taught philosophy at U.C. Berkeley, humanities at S.F. State University, and politics at St. Mary’s College. His books include The Production of Desire, Dying in America and Essays in Critical Social Theory . Lichtman’s work focuses on locating the political and personal within the larger social and cultural frameworks of human activity.

“I have never met a more profound critical thinker or an intellect that runs deeper and wider. Talk to Richard Lichtman, read his work… and you’ll be the beneficiary of an eloquent critical exposition supported by his sweeping knowledge.”
—Lillian Rubin, author, sociologist, psychotherapist

“Richard Lichtman is the leading critic of the subjective malaise inherent in our capitalist society. Responsive to the disciplines of Marxism, philosophy and sociology, deeply acquainted with literature, and above all capable of refracting these through the everyday lives of people, he has created a body of work that is both unique and of lasting value.” — Joel Kovel, author of The Enemy of Nature: The End of Capitalism or the End of the World?

C. S. Soong has been a host and producer of KPFA’s highly regarded political affairs program Against the Grain since its inception in March, 2003.