Fixed Ideas and Ideologies: Developing a New Epistemology Rooted in Apathy

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Published: Dec 29, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/cjp.34435
Keywords:
Stirner marxism ideology skepticism apathetic skepticism political philosophy
Zachary Isrow
Beacon College, United States
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7898-9216
Abstract

Epistemologies are overwhelmingly riddled with biases, influenced by ideologies and fixed ideas. Max Stirner and Louis Althusser argue at length regarding the negative impact of these on our way of thinking. This paper argues that the only escape from Stirner's fixed ideas or Althusser's ISAs (Ideological State Apparatuses) is through an apathetic disposition to the truth – something very unphilosophical in nature. In order to create parallactic shifts in thought, we must also develop a new epistemology, one rooted in apathy. Through this, we can become true philosophers and thinkers moving towards a truth not solely determined by our pre-held assumptions.

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Author Biography
Zachary Isrow, Beacon College, United States

Dr. Zachary Isrow is assistant department chair of humanities and an associate professor of humanities. Born in Germany, he earned his bachelor of arts from Aurora University in philosophy, a master’s from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in humanities (philosophy and anthropology) from Alma Mater Europaea. He is finishing a second doctorate in behavioral economics at Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Poznaniu. He is the author of many articles and chapters, and his first book, “The Spectricity of Humanness,” was published in 2022 with DeGruyter. He is currently working on a second book focusing on future-oriented ethics, and a third book focused on the relationship between food and politics. In his academic work, he is concerned most primarily with the ontological foundations of humanness and the implications of contemporary realisms on our understanding of what makes us human. He also pursues creative work as a writer and composer. His first musical, Raven’s Stars, for which he composed the music and co-wrote the lyrics and script, premiered in Chicago in March 2023. He is currently working on the scripts and scores of two animated films as well as another musical.

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