Roman Catholic political philosopher Patrick Deneen discusses his book 'Regime Change' critiquing liberalism and proposing post-liberal solutions. The podcast explores the evolution of elites, subjectivity of statistics, and elite disconnect with working-class prejudice.
Shift from industrial elites to managerial elites governing through policy and information control.
Modern conservatives urged to break away from classical liberalism and reconnect with pre-liberal traditions.
Importance of balancing intellectual elite wisdom with common knowledge and traditional wisdom for societal stability.
Deep dives
Key Ideas from Patrick Deneen's Book
Patrick Deneen's book 'Regime Change' delves into the concept of transitioning towards a post-liberal future. Deneen identifies a shift from industrial elites to managerial elites who rule through policy, abstract reasoning, and information control. These managerial elites are detached from local communities, leading to a prejudice against the working class. Deneen critiques modern conservatism, asserting that it often aligns more with classical liberalism. He highlights the tension between Platonic and Aristotelian political philosophies.
Challenges Faced by Modern Conservatives
Modern conservatives face the challenge of maintaining distinctiveness from progressivism while avoiding a mere slower-paced imitation of liberal ideals. Patrick Deneen argues that true conservatism should reconnect with the pre-liberal traditions of the West, emphasizing a shift away from classical liberalism. He critiques prominent individuals like Jonah Goldberg, illustrating how some figures labeled as conservatives actually align more with classical liberal ideologies.
The Wisdom of the Many vs. the Wise Few
A core debate within political philosophy is the balance between the wisdom of the few versus the wisdom of the many. While acknowledging the presence of intellectual elites, Patrick Deneen emphasizes the importance of considering the wisdom inherent in common knowledge and inherited traditions. He highlights the value of traditional wisdom and common sense passed down through generations as significant sources of societal understanding and stability.
Aristocratic Class Blended with Common People for Mutual Benefit
Aristotle promotes a mixed constitution where an aristocratic class and common people engage in mutual benefit. The aristocrats, based on achievements rather than birth, work among and with the common people. This system values passing down practical common sense across generations, emphasizing the blend of wisdom from various traditions to avoid overspecialization.
Call for Virtuous Elite and Respect for Tradition
There is a call for a virtuous elite to work for the good of the people and uphold inherited cultural values. The creation of a ruling class informed by traditional values and committed to virtues is advocated. Amid discussions on societal restructuring, encouraging larger representation in government for broader population influence is considered, along with a critique on the dangers of excessive government control over diverse sectors.
