Join Robert P. George, a Princeton professor of jurisprudence, and Cornel West, a Harvard professor of public philosophy, as they dive deep into the essence of truth. They discuss the importance of intellectual humility, using historical parallels to emphasize understanding. Their friendship showcases how contrasting views can foster constructive dialogue. The duo also tackles challenges in education, the impact of cultural identity, and how humanity intertwines with the pursuit of truth in a divided society.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Friendship Origins
Robert P. George and Cornel West's friendship started with a student interview.
West specifically requested George for the interview, drawn to his integrity.
insights INSIGHT
Shared Humility
Their connection transcends typical colleagueship due to shared intellectual humility.
Both prioritize truth-seeking over personal ego or winning arguments.
insights INSIGHT
Truth's Jagged Edge
Truth is a "jagged edge" (Melville), cutting against personal biases and societal norms.
Truth-seeking requires community and vulnerability, like in a dance or deep conversation.
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a dialogue on fruitful disagreement in an age of division
Cornel West
Robert P. George
Giambattista Vico
Giambattista Vico
Giambattista Vico
Thomas Carlyle on the even greater Friedrich Schiller
Thomas Carlyle on the even greater Friedrich Schiller
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Thomas Carlyle
John Rawls
John Rawls
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John Rawls
The Great Gaspin
The Great Gaspin
null
F Scott Fitzgerald
Adams and Jefferson letters
Adams and Jefferson letters
null
Thomas Jefferson
John Adams
Martin Luther King's letter from Birmingham jail
Martin Luther King's letter from Birmingham jail
null
Martin Luther King Jr
Friedrich Schiller
Friedrich Schiller
Friedrich Schiller
John Dewey
John Dewey
John Dewey
Billy Budd
Herman Melville
Edmund Burke
Edmund Burke
null
Edmund Burke
Heine’s
Heine’s
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Heinrich Heine
Søren Kierkegaard
Søren Kierkegaard
Søren Kierkegaard
St. Thomas Aquinas
None
G.K. Chesterton
G.K. Chesterton's "St. Thomas Aquinas" is a biography of the influential medieval philosopher and theologian. Chesterton presents Aquinas's life and thought in a clear and engaging manner, making the complex ideas of the philosopher accessible to a wider audience. The book explores Aquinas's contributions to philosophy and theology, highlighting his synthesis of faith and reason. Chesterton's own unique perspective and writing style bring a fresh perspective to the life and work of Aquinas. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in medieval philosophy, theology, and the history of ideas.
Sophocles' Antigone
Sophocles
Written around 441 BCE, 'Antigone' is the third play in Sophocles' Oedipus trilogy. The story takes place in Thebes, where Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, defies King Creon's law by burying her brother Polyneices, who was declared a traitor. This act of defiance leads to a series of tragic events, including the deaths of Antigone, her fiancé Haemon, and Creon's wife. The play delves into themes such as the tension between personal morality and state law, the nature of justice, the role of fate, and the dangers of excessive pride. It is a thought-provoking work that has been widely discussed and analyzed for centuries[1][3][5].
Leo Strauss
Leo Strauss
Paul Gottfried
The Communist Manifesto
Friedrich Engels
Karl Marx
C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis
The road to serfdom
Friedrich Von Hayek
In this influential book, Hayek argues that the abandonment of individualism and classical liberalism leads to a loss of freedom, the creation of an oppressive society, and ultimately, the tyranny of a dictator. He challenges the view that fascism and Nazism are capitalist reactions against socialism, instead positing that these ideologies share common roots in central economic planning and the empowerment of the state over the individual. The book emphasizes the dangers of collectivism and the importance of maintaining a free market system to preserve human freedom and dignity.
On liberty
John Stuart Mill
Published in 1859, 'On Liberty' is a seminal work by John Stuart Mill that argues for the protection of individual freedoms from the tyranny of the majority and government interference. Mill uses utilitarian philosophy to justify the value of liberty, emphasizing the importance of freedom of thought, discussion, and action. He introduces the 'harm principle,' which states that individuals should only be restrained from acting when their conduct may harm others. The essay is structured into five chapters, each addressing different aspects of liberty, including the liberty of thought and discussion, individual liberty, the limits of authority, and practical applications of his theories. Mill argues that protecting individual liberties is essential for societal progress and the avoidance of social stagnation[2][3][5].
In the latest episode of Madison’s Notes, we are privileged to join a profound conversation between Robert P. George and Cornel West, two towering figures in political philosophy and social thought. Their discussion, based on their collaborative work Truth Matters, models what robust intellectual engagement and civil discourse can look like, especially when addressing issues that divide Americans today.
In this thought-provoking episode, George and West explore the concept of truth and its centrality to our personal and collective lives. They tackle critical questions surrounding truth’s role in the public square, and how we, as a society, can navigate the growing challenges to free expression and intellectual inquiry.
Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.
Madison's Notes 
