In this show, I'll start a two part series on the problem of polarization and identity politics, and what I see as the only lasting solution to that problem. As always, shows like this in a series are basically self contained in their discussions, though connected in their topics.

In this first episode of the series, I'm going to discuss the phenomenon of polarization: what it is, and why it happens. By first figuring out the answers this show to what polarization is and why it occurs, next show, we will move to examine how to solve it.

Topics discussed are as follows:
-What is Polarization? In order to discuss this topic, I will look at French Philosopher Rene Girard's conception of Mimetic desire, which will help us understand in a wider sense how polarization relates in a basic way to human nature.

-Two different answers to one question: "Why Are we so Polarized?" The answers are: (1) Dehumanization, (2) Self-Identity and how identity relates to polarization.

Because much work has been done on the first answer, I focus my reflections on the second answer, which I consider more primary. In order to examine it, I'll be relying primarily on Soren Kierkegaard's analysis of human identity in The Sickness Unto Death and Walker Percy's exploration of the same topic in Lost in the Cosmos.

If you have questions or comments about content from this episode, please send feedback to theheartandtheheadpodcast@gmail.com