Hell Is Truth Seen Too Late

The contemporary literature on neoliberalism has grown so large as to be unwieldy. For some on the left, this has presented an occasion to denounce it altogether. This essay briefly diagnoses some of the possible reasons for the spreading disaffection and links that diagnosis to important developments in current politics. One of the most notable aspects of the literature is its unwillingness to approach neoliberalism primarily as a set of epistemological precepts, recruited in service of a political program. Marxists in particular seem to find this proposition an anathema—and there are important reasons the ensuing discussions have repressed this. I conclude by suggesting the critical importance of epistemology stands not as some abstract thesis but has had dire consequences in at least two recent political battles: the postelection fascination with “fake news” and the impending Uberization of modern science under the banner of “openness.”