Context with Brad Harris
What's True?
Jun 3, 2019
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.
01:24:00
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Enlightenment ideas aimed to create shared values, not identity-based unity.
- Understanding historical context shapes concepts like natural rights.
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.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
