Is ChatGPT usurping the authority of the "Author"? Or is it just a pretender to the throne?

We're opening up the question of "authority" to extend well beyond the usual suspects of kings, generals, or politicians. To borrow a line from Tennyson's poetry: “authority forgets the dying King.” That is, power begins to slip from the grasp of political authorities as they weaken, as respect for and obedience to them wanes.

Now almost 60 years after Foucault announced the “death of the author,” we might actually be living through what he imagined.

Full episode notes available at this link:
https://hotelbarpodcast.com/podcast/episode-168-authority

-------------------
If you enjoy Hotel Bar Sessions podcast, please be sure to subscribe and submit a rating/review! Better yet, you can support this podcast by signing up to be one of our Patrons at patreon.com/hotelbarsessions!

Follow us on Twitter/X @hotelbarpodcast, on Blue Sky @hotelbarpodcast.bsky.social, on Facebook, on TikTok, and subscribe to our YouTube channel!

The HBS co-hosts savor the complexities of a dish best served cold.

Is revenge ever ethical? Can it be a form of justice, or is it always about personal satisfaction? In this episode, Rick Lee, Leigh Johnson, and Devonya Havis take a deep dive into the philosophy of revenge. From the timeless allure of stories like Kill Bill and The Count of Monte Cristo to the rise of cancel culture and online harassment, the hosts explore how revenge plays out in both individual and collective contexts. They tackle big questions about power, helplessness, and the difference between avenging a wrong and simply lashing out.

They also consider the role of technology in making vengeful acts easier—and more public—than ever before. Leigh reflects on the satisfaction we feel from justice-oriented narratives, while Devonya highlights the deeper systemic issues that revenge often overlooks. Rick weighs in on the distinction between personal vendettas and social movements like #MeToo, asking whether collective action can transform personal grievance into meaningful justice.

Whether you're a fan of revenge thrillers or just curious about the ethical limits of payback, this episode will leave you questioning the line between retribution and justice. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation that’s equal parts philosophy and pop culture!