Context with Brad Harris

The podcast explores the concept of historical cycles and the patterns and predictions for America's next crisis. It discusses the impact of generational turnover on society and explores the rise of populism. The importance of historical perspective in breaking free from the cycle of history is emphasized.

Delve into the chaos, warfare, and religious persecution of the 14th century. Learn about the pivotal role of knights in medieval Europe. Explore the struggles and daily routines of people living in medieval Europe. Discover the devastating impact of the Black Death and its uneven death rates. Uncover the embrace of secular humanism and its role in the Renaissance.

This podcast explores the relevance of George Orwell's novel 1984 in today's society, discussing themes such as surveillance, propaganda, technology, and totalitarianism. It delves into the parallels between the dystopian world of 1984 and contemporary society, highlighting the indoctrination of children, erosion of truth, and manipulation of objective information. The deconstruction of reality and control of the past are also examined, along with the corrosive effects of the quest for power on movements. Ultimately, the podcast emphasizes the ongoing importance of defending freedom, truth, and liberal democracy.

Explore the history of wealth inequality and how attempts to address it have often resulted in negative consequences. The podcast delves into the impact of World Wars and mass warfare on wealth inequality, as well as the historical pattern of wealth inequality in the United States. It challenges the notion that wealth inequality is solely a problem, emphasizing its complex nature influenced by societal factors.

It's hard to remember how intelligent humanity can be when we are relentlessly bombarded by bad news. Author and mathematician Steven Strogatz helps to remind us with his recent book, Infinite Powers: How Calculus Reveals the Secrets of the Universe. The history of calculus may seem irrelevant to most of our going concerns, but as Strogatz shows, the spirit of calculus expresses one of the best ideas humanity has ever had: greatness is not to be found in the end, but in the effort. Support the show on https://www.patreon.com/context Learn more at https://bradharris.com

Carl Sagan was a brilliant popularizer of science.  His book, The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, helps to inspire clear thinking when chaos reigns supreme.  Here, I share my thoughts on the important themes of that work.   To access bonus episodes and all regular episodes ad-free, join me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/context Learn more at https://bradharris.com

There is an overlooked rule in history: far more is lost and forgotten than is preserved and remembered. Humanity has made incredible progress - we know more and we’re more powerful than we’ve ever been. But, are we getting wiser?  What if our ignorance outgrows our potential? What happens when rich and powerful societies lose their wisdom and forget what made them great in the first place?  It's happened before, and there is a Pulitzer Prize-winning book by historian Stephen Greenblatt that tells the tale, titled, The Swerve: How the World Became Modern. Here, we look to this book for insight on how a paradise of wisdom was once lost. To help support Context and access bonus episodes, visit patreon.com/context. For more information, visit bradharris.com.

Explore the birth of the modern concept of facts through the clash between Thomas Hobbes and Robert Boyle. Discover how their battle shaped our understanding of objective truth. Dive into the interconnection of knowledge and social order, and the clash of scientific philosophies between Boyle's experimentation and Hobbes' medieval assumptions.

Historian Jennifer Ratner-Rosenhagen and host Brad Harris discuss discerning truth through history and philosophy. Topics include American Enlightenment ideas, objective vs pragmatic truth, and the balance of liberty and equality in American society. They delve into the impact of ideas on history, the challenges of postmodernism, and the role of authority in society. The conversation also covers pragmatism, scientific progress, and the relationship between faith and science in the late 19th century.

Listen to influential writer Allan Bloom discuss 'The Closing of the American Mind' and the battle against moral relativism in education. Bloom emphasizes the importance of cultivating the search for the best ideas over being open to all. Dive into the evolution of thought from Enlightenment to postmodernism, Allan Bloom's critique of American education, concerns about relativism, and the pursuit of truth in a diverse society.