Historian Jennifer Ratner-Rosenhagen and host Brad Harris discuss discerning truth through history and philosophy. Topics include American Enlightenment ideas, objective vs pragmatic truth, and the balance of liberty and equality in American society. They delve into the impact of ideas on history, the challenges of postmodernism, and the role of authority in society. The conversation also covers pragmatism, scientific progress, and the relationship between faith and science in the late 19th century.
Enlightenment ideas aimed to create shared values, not identity-based unity.
Understanding historical context shapes concepts like natural rights.
Pragmatism prioritizes evolving truths and societal unity over absolute objectivity.
Deep dives
The Enlightenment and America's Founding Ideals
The podcast explores how Enlightenment ideals influenced America's founding, focusing on the concept of natural rights and enlightened self-interest. Discussing figures like John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, the conversation delves into how these thinkers aimed to organize society based on fundamental human traits, striving to create a shared set of ideas rather than identity-based unity. The dialogue highlights America's historical uniqueness in establishing itself on a foundation of ideas, leading to a turbulent yet inspiring history.
Contextualizing Historical Ideas and Universal Truths
The episode grapples with the importance of understanding the context from which historical ideas emerged, emphasizing the need to consider the conditions that shaped concepts like natural rights. It questions whether ideas discovered or created, and how contextual factors, such as religious wars and global exploration, influenced Enlightenment philosophies. The conversation challenges perspectives on universal truths and historical contingency in shaping fundamental ideas about society.
Pragmatism and Unity Amid Diversity
Exploring American intellectual history, the discussion shifts to pragmatism and the quest for unity amidst diversity in American society. Reflecting on thinkers like Richard Rorty and William James, the podcast emphasizes moving beyond absolute truths to navigate differences and build a humane collective. It delves into the notion of Intersubjectivity over objective truth as a foundation for societal cohesion, highlighting America's ongoing pursuit of unity amidst diverse perspectives.
Pragmatism as an American Philosophy
Pragmatism, emerging from American thinkers in the late 19th century, is considered a significant contribution to Western philosophy. Rooted in Darwinism, it emphasizes the evolving nature of things and the concept of human becoming. Pragmatists like Charles Sanders-Peirce and William James focus on the consequences and practical outcomes of ideas rather than their origins, advocating for a flexible and evolving concept of truth.
Objective Truth vs. Socially Constructed Truth
The podcast delves into the debate surrounding objective truth and socially constructed truth. While scientific truths are seen as more objective and based on discoverable facts, pragmatists like Richard Rorty challenge the notion of objectivity. They propose that truth is a product of negotiation among individuals, emphasizing intersubjective truth over objective truth. The discussion explores the implications of differentiating between these forms of truth on various aspects of society.
Today I'm speaking with Jennifer Ratner-Rosenhagen, a historian from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. It would be hard to find a scholar better equipped to enhance our historical perspective on how we decide what's true.
Jennifer and I challenge each other's thinking on several questions, including:
Were Enlightenment ideas about natural rights discovered or created?
Does the distinction between objective truth and pragmatic truth really matter?
How do we reconcile timeless values with scientific disruption?