Ep. 374: Discussing Liberalism (Lincoln, et al) with Walter Sterling (Part One)

Plato's Laws, one of Plato's later dialogues, presents a detailed blueprint for an ideal city-state. Unlike the Republic's focus on philosophical ideals, the Laws emphasizes practical considerations for establishing a just and stable society. It explores various aspects of law, including criminal justice, education, and religious practices. The dialogue features a discussion of different forms of government and proposes a mixed constitution combining elements of democracy, aristocracy, and timocracy. The Laws offers a more pragmatic approach to political organization than the Republic, providing insights into the challenges of implementing philosophical principles in the real world. It remains a significant contribution to political philosophy, offering valuable perspectives on law, justice, and the organization of society.

In 'Why Liberalism Failed,' Patrick J. Deneen critiques both classical liberalism (often called libertarianism) and progressive/modern liberalism. He argues that liberalism has created contradictions such as fostering material inequality despite advocating for equal rights, discouraging civic commitments in favor of privatism, and giving rise to a comprehensive state system while pursuing individual autonomy. Deneen contends that liberalism's success is generating its own failure, leading to issues like income inequality, cultural decline, atomization, and the erosion of freedoms. The book examines the outcomes of the growth of the state, the construction of the free market, and the effects of technology on freedoms and culture.

In 'Enlightenment Now', Steven Pinker presents a comprehensive argument that the values of the Enlightenment—reason, science, and humanism—have been instrumental in the progress of human society. He challenges the prevailing pessimism in modern discourse by presenting empirical evidence that life, health, prosperity, safety, peace, knowledge, and happiness are on the rise globally. Pinker uses data and graphs to illustrate improvements in various aspects of human life, such as increased life expectancy, reduced child and maternal mortality, and advancements in medicine and technology. He also addresses the psychological biases that lead people to underestimate these improvements and emphasizes the importance of continuing to uphold Enlightenment ideals to ensure further progress.

Written in the early 16th century, 'The Prince' is a realistic instruction guide for new rulers. Machiavelli argues that an effective leader must be skilled in the art of war, sometimes cruel, and willing to use deception and manipulation to achieve political goals. The book is divided into chapters that discuss various types of principalities, how to acquire and maintain power, and the qualities a prince should possess. Machiavelli uses historical examples, including the career of Cesare Borgia, to illustrate his points. The treatise emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people and the stability of the state, even if it means deviating from traditional virtues. 'The Prince' remains a controversial but influential work in modern political philosophy.

In 'Habits of the Heart,' Robert N. Bellah and his co-authors delve into the American psyche to explore the intricate interplay between individualism and commitment within American society. The book examines how deep-seated cultural values shape personal lives, communities, and the nation as a whole. It addresses topics such as individualism, community, and civic engagement, drawing on interviews and sociological analysis to understand the tensions between personal autonomy and social responsibility. The authors challenge readers to rethink what it means to live a good life in a complex, ever-evolving world, and they offer insights into how everyday habits can collectively transform the heart of American society.

Michael Sandel's "Liberalism and the Limits of Justice" delves into the philosophical foundations of liberalism, critically examining its emphasis on individual rights and its limitations in addressing moral and political issues. Sandel argues that contemporary liberalism's focus on individual rights often neglects the importance of community, shared values, and the common good. He challenges the notion of neutrality in public life, suggesting that a just society requires a robust public discourse about moral and political values. The book explores various philosophical perspectives, including those of John Rawls and other prominent thinkers, to offer a comprehensive analysis of liberalism's strengths and weaknesses. Sandel's work has significantly influenced political philosophy and continues to be relevant in contemporary debates about justice, equality, and the role of government.

Abraham Lincoln delivered "On the Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions" in 1838, addressing threats to American democracy. He warned against mob rule and internal corruption, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law. Lincoln stressed that while the revolution was fueled by passion, the nation's continued success depended on reason. He advocated for cultivating respect for the Constitution and laws through education to ensure civil and religious liberty. Lincoln highlighted the need for citizens to develop a deep reverence for the institutions of government to safeguard the republic. His speech is a call for sober reflection and reasoned commitment to the rule of law.