Richard Cohen

Capitalism is not merely an economic system but represents also a devaluation of all values, with money, a means, serving as the only “value.” As such capitalism destroys all alternative value, undermining the dignity and solidarity of persons. In view of such capitalist nihilism, fascism promises to restore lost values, but in fact serves only as a violent cover for the ruling class of billionaires and multi-millionaires. The fascist regimes of early and mid-twentieth century in Italy, Germany and Spain, as well as more recent neo-fascist movements will be considered.

Richard A. Cohen, Professor of Jewish Thought and Professor of Philosophy, is distinguished for his work on the ethical philosophy of Emmanuel Levinas, comprising the translation of four books by Levinas and authorship of four books on Levinas, the latest of which is Out of Control: Confrontations Between Spinoza and Levinas (SUNY Press, 2016), in addition to articles and edited volumes. More broadly, his area of expertise lies in modern and contemporary continental philosophy, about which he has published many essays.

Scholars@Hallwalls is a free and open-to-the-public series. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres served.