Honestly with Bari Weiss Has Freedom Failed Us? A Debate
Patrick Deneen, a Political Science Professor at Notre Dame and author of Why Liberalism Failed, debates with Bret Stephens, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times. They explore the pressing issue of liberal democracy, questioning whether the focus on individual liberty is damaging society. Deneen argues that our abundance of freedom has led to societal decay, while Stephens believes we’ve lost essential individual rights. Their discussion dives into the implications of current political dynamics, economic inequality, and the balance between freedom and community values.
01:55:50
Liberalism's Double-Edged Sword
- America is experiencing a decline in both economic stability and social conservatism.
- These declines are a consequence of the triumph of liberalism, creating instability in all aspects of life.
Triumph of Illiberalism
- The triumph of illiberalism, both on the left and the right, is the central problem in the United States.
- Illiberalism includes censoriousness on the left and contempt for institutions on the right.
Classical Liberty vs. Liberalism
- Classical liberty emphasizes self-governance through virtue development and community institutions.
- Liberalism, prioritizing individual autonomy, dismantles these institutions, undermining responsible freedom.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Reckoning of Liberalism in America
01:47 • 35min
The Complexities of Debt and Liberalism
36:26 • 19min
Exploring America's Historical Struggles and Resilience
55:28 • 3min
Navigating Women's Liberation and Family Dynamics
58:46 • 23min
Analyzing Hungary's Political Landscape
01:21:33 • 17min
Bridging Divides Through Conversation
01:38:32 • 2min
The Erosion of America's Political Center
01:40:22 • 11min
The Role of Virtue in Liberal Society
01:51:26 • 6min
Culture of Narcissism
Christopher Lasch
In 'The Culture of Narcissism', Christopher Lasch presents a psychological and cultural synthesis that examines the normalization of pathological narcissism in 20th-century American culture. Lasch argues that since World War II, America has produced a personality type consistent with clinical definitions of narcissistic personality disorder. He locates symptoms of this disorder in various aspects of American life, including radical political movements, spiritual cults, and the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s and 1970s. The book critiques the erosion of family and community structures, the rise of consumerism, and the impact of technological advancements on social relationships. Lasch's work is a comprehensive diagnosis of American culture, predicting the expansion of narcissistic tendencies into all aspects of American life[1][2][5].
On liberty
John Stuart Mill
Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation[2][3][5].
Why Liberalism Failed
Patrick J. Deneen
In 'Why Liberalism Failed,' Patrick J. Deneen critiques both classical liberalism (often called libertarianism) and progressive/modern liberalism. He argues that liberalism has created contradictions such as fostering material inequality despite advocating for equal rights, discouraging civic commitments in favor of privatism, and giving rise to a comprehensive state system while pursuing individual autonomy. Deneen contends that liberalism's success is generating its own failure, leading to issues like income inequality, cultural decline, atomization, and the erosion of freedoms. The book examines the outcomes of the growth of the state, the construction of the free market, and the effects of technology on freedoms and culture[1][3][4].
Democracy in America
Alexis de Tocqueville
Written after his travels in the United States, 'Democracy in America' is a comprehensive study of American society and government. Tocqueville examines the democratic revolution and its impact on American life, discussing topics such as the sovereignty of the people, the role of civil society, the dangers of the tyranny of the majority, and the influence of religion and individualism. The book is a philosophical and political analysis that aims to understand why republican representative democracy succeeded in the United States while failing in other places, and it offers insights into the future of democracy both in America and globally[2][3][4].
LEVIATHAN
Thomas Hobbes
Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness.' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.
Reflections on the revolution in France
Edmund Burke
Edmund Burke's "Reflections on the Revolution in France" is a powerful critique of the French Revolution, arguing that it was based on abstract principles that ignored the complexities of human society and the importance of tradition. Burke's work is a classic statement of conservative political philosophy, emphasizing the importance of gradual change, respect for institutions, and the dangers of radicalism. The "Reflections" remains a relevant and insightful commentary on the challenges facing modern societies. Burke's emphasis on prudence, tradition, and the importance of preserving social order continues to resonate with conservatives today. The book is a cornerstone of conservative political thought.
Suicide of the west
How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics Is Destroying American Democracy
Jonah Goldberg
In 'Suicide of the West,' Jonah Goldberg argues that the principles of liberal democracy and capitalism, which he terms 'the Miracle,' are under threat from various forms of illiberalism. He contends that the West's prosperity and political stability are not inevitable but rather the result of unique historical and philosophical developments. Goldberg warns that complacency and the erosion of these principles due to partisanship, polarization, and identity politics could lead to democratic decline. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude for the achievements of Western civilization and the need to rediscover and uphold its founding ideals to prevent its downfall.
The Feminine Mystique
Betty Friedan
Published in 1963, 'The Feminine Mystique' by Betty Friedan critiques the societal expectations that confined women to roles as housewives and mothers, arguing that these roles denied women their basic human need to grow and achieve personal fulfillment. Friedan coined the term 'feminine mystique' to describe the belief that women could find complete fulfillment in domestic duties alone. Through extensive research, including interviews with housewives, college students, and experts in psychology and education, Friedan exposed the widespread unhappiness among women and the detrimental effects of these societal norms on their mental and physical health. The book played a pivotal role in sparking the second-wave feminist movement, encouraging women to seek careers and personal achievements outside the home[1][3][5].
Second Treatise on Government
John Locke
In the 'Second Treatise of Government', Locke critiques the divine right of kings and argues for a more civilized society based on natural rights and contract theory. He defines political power as the right to make laws for the protection and regulation of property, emphasizing that legitimate governments must have the consent of the people. Locke also discusses the state of nature, the rise of property and civilization, and the right of revolution, advocating for a system with separate legislative, executive, and judicial powers to ensure the protection of life, liberty, and property[2][4][5].
The Closing of the American Mind
Allan Bloom
America in Retreat
Bret Stephens
In 'America in Retreat', Bret Stephens argues that the U.S. must resume its role as the world's policeman to safeguard global peace and prosperity. He critiques the new isolationism and warns of the dangers of a world without American leadership, citing examples from recent conflicts and geopolitical shifts. Stephens advocates for a more modest yet necessary role for the U.S. in maintaining global order.
How Democracies Perish
Jean François Revel
In 'How Democracies Perish', Jean-François Revel examines the challenges faced by democratic societies, particularly in the context of the Cold War era. He argues that democracies are often weakened by internal divisions and external pressures, such as those posed by communist states. Revel critiques the naivety of Western democracies in dealing with these threats and emphasizes the need for vigilance to protect democratic values.
Haven in a Heartless World
Christopher Lasch
In 'Haven in a Heartless World: The Family Besieged', Christopher Lasch examines the impact of industrialization and the rise of professional interventions on family dynamics. He argues that the family's traditional role as a moral and social cornerstone is being undermined by external forces, leading to a loss of authority and emotional independence. Lasch critiques the intrusion of 'helping professions' into family life, which he believes undermines parental authority and contributes to societal issues like narcissism.
Slouching Towards Gomorrah
Modern Liberalism and American Decline
Robert H. Bork
In *Slouching Towards Gomorrah*, Robert H. Bork critiques modern liberalism for its emphasis on radical egalitarianism and individualism, arguing that these forces have contributed to a decline in American culture and morality. The book explores various social and political issues, including affirmative action, media violence, and judicial activism, as evidence of this decline. Bork advocates for resisting these trends to preserve American values.
History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution
History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution
Mercy Otis Warren
If there is a headline to the past half-decade, it’s this: liberal democracy is under threat across the West and populist movements are on the march. There’s Brexit in the UK. There’s Viktor Orbán in Hungary. There’s Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil. And in the United States, of course, there’s Donald Trump.
So today: a debate. Should we be fighting to preserve liberalism, the system that prizes our individual rights and the very foundation upon which America was built? Or is the system itself the problem?
It’s a high-stakes debate—the future of America and liberal democracy—and we couldn’t have two better people for this conversation: Political Science Professor and author of the book, Why Liberalism Failed, Patrick Deneen; and New York Times opinion columnist Bret Stephens.
Both Bret and Patrick are what people would label “conservatives,” but there is likely more disagreement between the two of them than between the average Democrat and Republican. Bret believes the problems we see today are happening because we have lost too much of our individual freedom. Patrick, on the other hand, believes that having so much freedom has actually damaged us– that our problems are caused precisely by the system that puts individual liberty on a pedestal.
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