The Josias Podcast, Episode V: Liberalism (Part 2)

14 snips

Feb 13, 2018

Dive into the intriguing critique of political liberalism, as the discussion flows from Verdi's emotional operas to Hobbes' stark views on human nature. Explore how liberalism stands against cruelty and its complex relationship with American leftist ideologies. Unpack the concepts of liberal education and the challenges it faces within Catholic thought. The dialogue also questions the role of gentlemanliness in politics and contrasts traditional values with contemporary attitudes, all while examining the risks of reshaping political order.

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INSIGHT

Liberalism's Core: Aversion to Cruelty

Liberalism rests on a core ethical principle: aversion to cruelty, linking political liberalism and liberal education.
This anti-cruelty stance fosters a gentlemanly civility but falls short of the Christian concept of tough love.

INSIGHT

Liberalism Differs From Left/Right

In the U.S., "left" often overlaps with liberals, but globally, liberals differ greatly from far-left or far-right groups.
Liberalism represents a shared ethical attitude across the political spectrum, distinct from extremist ideologies.

INSIGHT

Kant and Liberalism's Ethics

Kant's ethics often transcend pity, focusing on duty and reason, with cruelty avoided mainly as a foundation rather than the core.
Contemporary liberal attitudes reflect this but rarely follow Kant's full ethical rigor in daily life.

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Apologia pro vita sua

St. John Henry Newman

Apologia Pro Vita Sua is John Henry Newman's personal account of his religious beliefs and how they evolved over time. Originally published in 1864 as a response to criticisms by Charles Kingsley, the book chronicles Newman's transition from Anglicanism to Catholicism. It is divided into five parts, each covering a different period in his life, providing a deep insight into his spiritual development and intellectual struggles.

Ordinary Vices

None

Judith Shklar

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.

The complete essays of Montaigne

Michel de Montaigne

The Complete Essays of Michel de Montaigne are contained in three books and 107 chapters. Written between approximately 1570 and 1592, these essays reflect Montaigne's skeptical philosophy and his personal meditations on various subjects. The essays cover topics from the profound to the trivial, such as 'Of Sadness and Sorrow,' 'Of Conscience,' 'Of Smells,' and 'Of Posting.' Montaigne's writing style is characterized by its conversational tone, use of classical references, and a critical examination of human knowledge and certitude. His work had a significant influence on both French and English literature and continues to be a valuable source of philosophical and literary insight[1][2][4].

Politicizing Political Liberalism

On the Containment of Illiberal and Anti-Democratic Views

Gabriele Badano

Alasia Nuti

Alasia Nuti and Gabriele Badano's "Politicizing Political Liberalism" offers a normative framework for liberal democratic self-defense. The book tackles the challenge of countering illiberal and anti-democratic views while upholding liberal values. It examines the roles of various actors, including citizens, political parties, and municipalities, in this process. The authors build upon John Rawls's concept of political liberalism, addressing the need to contain unreasonable views that reject the principles of freedom and equality for all. The book provides insightful solutions to complex issues within political liberalism, offering a nuanced approach to real-world political challenges.

The idea of a university

St. John Henry Newman

John Henry Newman's "The Idea of a University" is a seminal work on higher education, exploring the nature of knowledge, the role of universities in society, and the importance of a liberal education. Newman emphasizes the pursuit of truth for its own sake, arguing that universities should foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. He highlights the unity of knowledge, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various disciplines. The book remains highly influential in shaping discussions about the purpose and function of universities. It's a classic text for anyone interested in the philosophy of education.