A philosophic analysis of the political Left

In this discussion we will explore the philosophic ideas that have shaped the political Left from its origins to the present.

POINTS OF DISCUSSION
Philosophic Antecedents

• The skepticism of Hume
• The collectivism of Rousseau
• The nihilism of Kant
• The historical determinism of Hegel
• The altruism of Comte

Marxism

• Dialectical materialism
• Class struggle
• The evil of selfishness
• Exploitation and oppression
• The dictatorship of the proletariat and communism

Progressivism

• Regulation of industry and finance
• Social reform
• Democratization
• Consolidation under the New Deal and The Great Society

Egalitarianism

• Environmentalism
• Identity Politics
• Woke Politics
• Political Correctness
• Cancel Culture
• Globalism: The World Economic Forum and The United Nations

The Left in 2026

• Realignment after the 2024 election
• De-emphasis of egalitarian doctrines
• Characterization of opposition as fascist
• Resurgence of Marxism and advocacy of Socialism

After the event, any interested guests will be invited to continue the conversation at a nearby restaurant.

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Our Meetup location, Le Pain Quotidien, is a private business; so that our group remains welcome, please don't arrive with beverages purchased from outside, and please be willing to purchase at least one beverage and/or menu item from our waitress (rather than on the way in).

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING NO-SHOWS
Unfortunately, there is a longstanding problem in our group with large numbers of people who sign up frivolously and neither cancel nor show up, leading to large waiting lists of others who lose their opportunity to attend. Please note that going forward, those who sign up and neither cancel nor show up or habitually cancel at the last minute will be permanently removed from the group. If you need to cancel, please have the courtesy to give at least 24 hours' advance notice so those on the waiting list have an opportunity to attend.