Mark Taylor and Alethea Harnish: From the hippies to veganism

In the seventh salon of the Ideas Shape the World – An Introduction to Social Movements series, hosted by Robert Nemeth, we discussed counter-cultural movements, and how they influenced the past and influence the present in today’s world. With special guests Mark Taylor and Alethea Harnish.

00:00 - 02:00: Opening remarks and housekeeping, introduction of the topic "Counter Culture: The 60s and Today" and the two special guests, Mark Taylor and Alicia Harney.
Mark Taylor's Background
02:00 - 05:00: Introduction of Mark Taylor, a postmodern religious and cultural critic, and his extensive work on theology, metaphysics, art, architecture, media technology, economics, and post-modernity.
05:00 - 08:00: Mark's academic journey from Harvard University to Columbia University.
Alicia Harney's Background
08:00 - 10:00: Introduction of Alicia Harney, a student at Columbia University majoring in Theater Arts and Philosophy, with a background in youth theater and a goal to create a non-profit theater company.
Defining Counter Culture
10:00 - 14:00: Mark and Alicia discuss the definition of counterculture, particularly in the context of the 1960s in the United States, including the cultural, social, and political reactions against post-World War II normalization.
14:00 - 18:00: The origins of the 60s counterculture, linked to various social, economic, and political developments, including the Baby Boomers' reaction to their parents' world and the impact of the Vietnam War, racial issues, and the sexual revolution.
Course on Counter Culture
18:00 - 22:00: Introduction to the course "Hippie Physics: Counter Culture and Cyber Culture," co-taught by Mark and Alicia at Columbia University.
22:00 - 26:00: Discussion on the concept of "hippie physics," the intersection of quantum mechanics and counterculture spirituality in the 60s, and the impact of technological and political developments.
Historical Context and Developments
26:00 - 32:00: Exploration of the historical context of quantum mechanics, its controversies, and its ties to Jewish physicists during World War II and post-war America.
32:00 - 36:00: The role of physicists in the 60s counterculture, their rejection of military-industrial complex research, and the influence of Zen Buddhism and other Eastern philosophies.
Counter Culture Movements
36:00 - 42:00: Comparison of the counterculture movements of the 60s and the present day, highlighting the similarities and differences in political and spiritual aspects.
42:00 - 46:00: The political and spiritual poles of the 60s counterculture, including students for Democratic Society, racial issues, and the rise of conservative and fundamentalist religion.
Modern Implications and Reflections
46:00 - 50:00: Reflections on how the 60s counterculture influences modern society, including the ongoing impact of the Vietnam War and the generational differences in perceptions of war and violence.
50:00 - 56:00: The significance of the 60s in shaping today's technological and political landscape, including the development of the computer revolution and Silicon Valley.
Audience Interaction and Questions
56:00 - 01:02:00: Audience questions about the spread of political ideas and the role of music in the counterculture movements of the 60s and today.
01:02:00 - 01:08:00: Discussion on the role of social media in modern counterculture, the addiction created by algorithms, and the impact on mental health and societal cohesion.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
01:08:00 - 01:12:00: Closing remarks on the importance of teaching and artistic expression in changing societal consciousness, and the hope for future generations to learn from and build upon the lessons of the 60s counterculture.
01:12:00 - 01:16:00: Final thoughts on the necessity of hope and the role of education and art in fostering societal change.

Mark: https://religion.columbia.edu/content...
Alethea: https://www.college.columbia.edu/news...
Robert:   / nrobert