Theory
A library, including a glossary.
Who are we?
What is Theory & Praxis Southtowns?
Theory & Praxis Southtowns (tpsouthtowns.org) is a space for working folks in the Southtowns of Western New York who are interested in learning more about democratic socialism, related ideas, and putting ideas into practice.
This is a learning commons. A learning commons is an interactive and collaborative space for sharing knowledge.
None of us comes here knowing everything. Every one of us comes here knowing a lot of things. Sharing knowledge makes us more powerful.
Why are we here?
What is the Mission?
Our mission is to support a learning community where people engage ideas, make meaning together, and connect what we learn to what we do.
This includes creating a space that is intentionally not hierarchical (i.e., pyramid shaped). There is not a “most knowledgeable” or “authority” position at the top with widening layers of subordinate (i.e., less powerful) positions below it. This is a space where relationships stay horizontal, where we operate from the agreement that we are all here to tackle problems together as equals who value one another.
This is intended to be a space where we do not make assumptions about what our peers know and do not know.
What is Theory?
Theory is a tool used to understand and re-imagine the world around us.
What is Praxis?
Many thinkers since the Enlightenment have seen the connections between thought and action. Karl Marx, a major contributor to socialist thought, understood that theory and practice are inseparable. This inseparable nature of thought (theory) and action (practice) is what the word praxis means. Praxis refers to a cycle where actions are intentional, driven by theory, and inspire reflection.
How do I participate?
How It Works
You can start wherever makes the most sense for you, but here is a quick summary of each page on this site:
Discussion
Information and access for in-person and/or Zoom meetings. An online conversation.
Praxis
Lists of regional organizations that focus on action. Features current opportunities to get involved and a calendar of events.
Two important aspects of praxis live in this page: Community Principles and Reflections.
There are ways throughout this site to suggest discussions, library items, and praxis opportunities.