Roger Scruton

Roger Scruton, an esteemed English philosopher and commentator, delves into modernity's evolution, tracing the roots of postmodern relativism. He critiques how universities overlook objective standards and discusses the interconnectedness of morality and theism. Highlighting the significance of beauty in culture, he laments society's aesthetic decline. Scruton reflects on conservative values grounded in tradition while opposing utopianism that disregards reality. Ultimately, he envisions a cultural philosophy that re-engages with humanity beyond academia.

Roger Scruton, philosopher and author of Beauty: A Very Short Introduction, discusses taste judgments, his reputation, and the disappointment with his book. The chapter also explores the concept of beauty from an evolutionary perspective and critiques Scruton's work. The podcast ends with a discussion on the differences between Western and non-Western concepts of history.

Terry Eagleton, a prominent literary critic and left-wing thinker, joins Roger Scruton, a conservative philosopher known for his work on aesthetics and culture. The two engage in a spirited debate about the divide between left and right ideology. They discuss cultural shifts, the role of universities, and the importance of tradition and belonging. While agreeing on the need to oppose commodified culture, they explore the implications of Marxist thought and the challenges of engaging with cultural hierarchies. Their insightful exchange highlights the complexity of cultural conversation today.

Roger Scruton discusses his latest book on human nature, exploring the reconciliation of conflicting views of evolutionary biology and individual autonomy through guilt and excuses. The podcast explores the extra dimension of human behavior that evolutionary adaptation and scientific ideas alone cannot explain. It delves into the concept of personhood, comparing Kant's ideas to the modern liberal account based on contract and consent. The podcast also examines emergent features and cognitive dualism, discussing the limitations of evolutionary biology in explaining human behavior and experiences. The chapter on freedom emphasizes the connection between responsibility, blame, and accountability, and explores the limitations of the concept of contract and consent in understanding human relationships.

Philosopher and author Roger Scruton discusses human nature, highlighting the limitations of a purely scientific account. He explores the biological explanations for our emotional response to music and the paradoxical relationship between scientific and humanistic approaches. Scruton also explores the concept of the self and the importance of recognizing the other as a self.