In this thought-provoking discussion, Professor Stephen Hicks defends liberalism while Dr. James Orr staunchly advocates for conservatism. They explore the balance between freedom and societal structures, arguing that limitations can actually enhance freedom. Additionally, they challenge the myth of individualism, emphasizing the importance of community ties. The pair also navigates the complexities of political tolerance and critiques both ideologies' approaches to human identity. Their insights provide a rich dialogue on the philosophical underpinnings of modern society.
Liberals and conservatives need to strike a balance between individual freedom and social cohesion.
The historical development of liberalism and conservatism involved ongoing interactions and adaptations.
Liberalism and conservatism face dilemmas in defining boundaries of freedom and adapting to societal changes.
Deep dives
Liberalism and Conservatism: Balancing Freedom and Order
The podcast episode explores the tension between liberalism and conservatism, focusing on the balance between freedom and order in society. The speaker argues that while liberalism aims to achieve civic peace through individual freedom, it also needs to incorporate a sense of social cohesion. On the other hand, conservatism emphasizes the preservation of traditions and hierarchies as a means of maintaining stability in society. The podcast delves into the historical roots of both ideologies, highlighting the role of the Enlightenment and the emergence of liberal values like freedom of speech and scientific inquiry. Additionally, it discusses the criticisms of relativism and the challenges faced by both liberalism and conservatism in addressing societal changes. Overall, the episode examines the complex interplay between individual liberties and social responsibilities in shaping political ideologies.
The Evolution of Liberalism and Conservatism
This part of the podcast focuses on the historical development of liberalism and conservatism. It challenges the notion that liberalism emerged abruptly during the Enlightenment, arguing that it built upon centuries of intellectual and social progress. The emergence of key liberal values, such as religious freedom, artistic freedom, and individual rights, were preceded by long-standing debates and struggles against traditional hierarchies and institutions. Furthermore, the episode acknowledges that while early conservatives may have resisted these liberal advances, such as the abolition of slavery, the preservation of traditions can also involve reform and adaptation. It highlights movements within Christianity, like evangelicals and Renaissance humanists, who contribute to the eventual transformation of societal norms. The discussion underscores the ongoing dynamic interaction between liberalism and conservatism throughout history.
The Dilemmas of Liberalism and Conservatism
This segment delves into the dilemmas faced by both liberalism and conservatism in contemporary society. The podcast explores the challenges of defining the boundaries of individual freedom and the role of government in a liberal framework. It examines the risks of excessive liberalism leading to atomization and the erosion of social cohesion. On the other hand, it acknowledges that conservatism can sometimes struggle to adapt to changing times and maintain a delicate balance between preserving traditions and embracing necessary change. The discussion also touches on the issue of relativism in liberalism and conservatism, pointing out that while liberals value freedom of choice in different conceptions of the good, conservatives argue for the preservation of particular traditions and moral values. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the ongoing dialogue and tension between liberalism and conservatism in navigating the complex interplay of freedom, order, and societal progress.
The Paradox of Tolerance and the Challenge of Illiberal Ideas
The podcast discusses the paradox of tolerance in liberal societies, where the very tolerance and acceptance of diverse values can lead to the rise of intolerant and illiberal voices. It argues that while liberalism and conservatism have their own sophisticated versions, there are also unsophisticated ideologies that pose a challenge to both. The podcast emphasizes the need for a muscular liberalism that upholds individual rights while being firm in protecting those rights against those who seek to undermine them.
The Role of Tradition, Human Nature, and Technological Change
The podcast explores the tension between liberalism and conservatism in their understanding of human nature and tradition. It highlights how liberalism's view of humans as autonomous and rational can disregard the significance of concrete loyalties like family, religion, and nation, leading to atomization. Conservatism, on the other hand, values the accumulated wisdom of tradition and acknowledges the importance of concrete attachments to kin and community. The podcast also touches on the influence of technology on societal changes and the need for an adaptive approach to maintain a balance between tradition and progress.
This is very first in our new Debate series. This time Konstantin is joined by two of our favourite former guests, Dr James Orr and Professor Stephen Hicks, who mount their defences for Conservatism and Liberalism respectively.
James Orr is Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at the Faculty of Divinity, Cambridge University. He holds a PhD and MPhil in Philosophy of Religion from the University of Cambridge and a BA in Classics from Balliol College, Oxford. He is Chairman of the Edmund Burke Foundation and on the Advisory Board for the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC).
Stephen R. C. Hicks is Professor of Philosophy at Rockford University, Illinois, Executive Director of the Center for Ethics and Entrepreneurship, and Senior Scholar at The Atlas Society. He is the author of six books, the latest of which is 'Liberalism Pro and Con' (available here: https://www.amazon.com//dp/1925826821/)
Stand-up comedians Konstantin Kisin (@konstantinkisin) and Francis Foster (@francisjfoster) make sense of politics, economics, free speech, AI, drug policy and WW3 with the help of presidential advisors, renowned economists, award-winning journalists, controversial writers, leading scientists and notorious comedians.
