Quentin Skinner
Distinguished intellectual historian and Emeritus Professor of the Humanities at Queen Mary University of London; author of Liberty as Independence and expert on the history of political thought.
Best podcasts with Quentin Skinner
Ranked by the Snipd community
Oct 4, 2025 • 1h 12min
Quentin Skinner on Liberty
Quentin Skinner, a distinguished intellectual historian and Emeritus Professor at Queen Mary University, delves into the concept of liberty with Yascha Mounk. They explore the difference between negative liberty as non-interference and the republican notion of liberty as independence from arbitrary power. Skinner highlights how institutions shape freedom and critiques modern approaches to human rights. He warns against overlooking silent forms of domination, such as workplace power and surveillance, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding fundamental rights in a democratic society.
Aug 23, 2009 • 48min
Machiavelli: Nigel Warburton and Quentin Skinner
Nigel Warburton interviews Quentin Skinner on Machiavelli's 'The Prince', discussing virtues in public life, historical context of Florence in 1513, Machiavelli's critique of traditional virtues, and the role of deception in politics. They explore the necessity of prioritizing state safety over morality and delve into the complexities of moral decision-making in politics.
