Randall Kennedy: The N-Word - History of Race, Law, Politics, and Power | Lex Fridman Podcast #379

I'm not sure how much the average person would have access to this author outside of academia and this podcast makes it available for everyone. NPR rarely went this in depth.

The philosophical distinction between "use" and "mention" is commonly referred to as the "use-mention distinction." This distinction is particularly relevant in philosophy of language and logic. It helps differentiate between using a word to refer to or talk about something (mentioning) and using a word as part of the actual content or meaning of a statement (using). Understanding this distinction is crucial for analyzing and discussing language, meaning, and reference. In talking about Mark Twain's usage of the word, I'm mentioning it. It's not the same as using it.

"You made a good point. [...] I'll have to recalibrate." Truly, this is the mark of a smart man.

Love Lex's stuff 99.9% of the time anyhow, but this one was possibly one of my favorites.

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings - Linode: https://linode.com/lex to get $100 free credit - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off 2:13 - The N-word 37:57 - The three N-words 1:04:30 - Education 1:17:32 - Critical race theory 1:28:06 - Racism and policing 1:35:26 - Racial profiling 2:04:59 - Racism in US history 2:22:57 - Affirmative action 3:06:24 - Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank you gentlemen for having this conversation. In the world today, it is almost impossible for everyday people to have an earnest discussion on difficult topics such as this one. I want to thank you Lex for having the courage to have this talk with Mr. Kennedy and ask the questions that some of us wouldn't have thought to ask. Wonderful episode.

This man is incredible. So brilliant. He is the type of person this world needs more of.

Please invite Randall Kennedy back as often as possible. Randall Kennedy is a true public intellectual in its best sense. I can listen to him all day long and never get tired of it. I am thankful that we have such an erudite, wise professor in our country.

I could be listening to these two human beings for another three hours. They are living proof that you can have a respectful conversation even without having to agree on everything. Thank you so much for being such a good example, we need more conversations like this. Huge fan of Lex Fridman!

I was asleep, I sleep to youtube, and was tossing in bed kind of waking up, and was shocked hearing this word over and over and became fully woke up in confusion and shock but then was hooked and now glad I listened to this. Such a good podcast. We need more people to be educated on this. Excellent stuff! This is why I LOVE Lex, it takes balls to do what he does.