The Book Club
Neil Shenvi: The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis
Mar 18, 2025
Neil Shenvi, a Christian apologist and chemist, joins Michael Knowles to dive into C.S. Lewis's profound work, highlighting the perils of moral relativism. They discuss the erosion of objective truth and its implications for society, exploring universal moral principles while critiquing contemporary ideologies. Shenvi shares personal stories of how Lewis's literature transformed his faith, illustrating the powerful intersection of literature and moral values. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of reconnecting with objective truths in a complex world.
32:38
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Quick takeaways
- C.S. Lewis argues that ignoring objective moral truths, or the Tao, leads to societal manipulation and potential tyranny.
- The podcast highlights the importance of emotional understanding in ethical behavior, emphasizing its role in a meaningful education.
Deep dives
Critique of Modern Education
C.S. Lewis's 'Abolition of Man' critiques the modern education system for undermining the belief in objective values, such as beauty and goodness. Lewis argues that teaching methods, as of 1943, diminish students' understanding of these truths, eroding their ability to act virtuously. This, he posits, contributes to a totalitarian state where technology and state authority seek to engineer human nature by disregarding inherent moral principles, which he refers to as the Tao. His insights remain relevant today as society grapples with educational systems that appear to further detach students from an accepted moral framework.
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