The New Thinkery
The New Thinkery
The New Thinkery is a podcast devoted to political philosophy and its history, along with its many guises in literature, film, and human experience generally. Named after Socrates’ infamous “Thinkery” in Aristophanes’ Clouds, The New Thinkery strikes a balance between the seriousness of academia and the playfulness of casual conversation among friends.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 30, 2022 • 1h 23min
Interview: Dr. David Lowenthal on Orwell's 1984
In this episode of TNT, the guys are joined by distinguished professor and student of Leo Strauss, David Lowenthal. Together, the group talk about Lowenthal's academic and military career, Orwell's 1984, and Dr. Lowenthal answers lightning questions. Plus: Dr. Lowenthal explains why he was a Marxist for a little while.
Mar 23, 2022 • 1h 2min
Grab Bag | The New Thinkery Ep. 88
This week, the guys take a break from focusing on one text to host a more personal episode. Each co-host presents a question to the others for their thoughts, and then they answer your mailbag questions! If you like this episode format, let us know on Twitter and we'll make more like it.
Mar 16, 2022 • 1h 18min
Interview: Professor James Carey on Indian Philosophy | The New Thinkery Ep. 87
In this week's episode, the guys are joined by Professor James Carey. The group wade outside of TNT's philosophic comfort zone by talking with Professor Carey about Indian philosophy. Specifically, they discuss whether Indian philosophy is monolithic, and, whether it is or not, what concepts grab the attention of Indian philosophy.
Mar 9, 2022 • 58min
Plato's Republic and the Problem of Justice | The New Thinkery Ep. 86
In this follow-up to the last episode on Plato's Republic, the guys are again looking at the concept of justice. Specifically, what issues one might take with it. The group analyze the speeches of Glaucon and his brother to get at the philosophic issues dwelling underneath what seems to be a universal concept.
Mar 2, 2022 • 1h 3min
Hitchcock's Rope | The New Thinkery Ep. 85
This week, the guys are breaking up the nonstop philosophy with a movie with strong overtones about, what else, philosophy! The crew discuss Alfred Hitchcock's Rope—which is scarily based on a true story—and how philosophy can be dangerous when approached improperly.
Feb 23, 2022 • 1h 21min
Interview: Diana Schaub on Lincoln's Lyceum Address | The New Thinkery Ep. 84
In this President's Day edition of The New Thinkery, the guys are joined by Professor Diana Schaub, who teaches at Loyola University Maryland, and specializes in Lincoln. Together, the group discuss Lincoln's Lyceum Address and what Lincoln thought of himself as extracted from the text. Shoutout to Davenant Hall for sponsoring!
Feb 16, 2022 • 1h 18min
Interview: Dr. Michael P. Zuckert on Lincoln's Statecraft | The New Thinkery Ep. 83
In a first for The New Thinkery, the guys are joined for a threepeat guest appearance by Dr. Michael P. Zuckert. Together, the guys discuss the three elements of statecraft, and to what extent Lincoln hit the marks. Shoutout to Davenant Hall for sponsoring!
Feb 9, 2022 • 53min
Machiavelli's Four Most Excellent Princes | The New Thinkery Ep. 82
This week, the guys return to Machiavelli's The Prince, this time focusing on Chapter 6. the group discuss who, in Machiavelli's mind, were the most excellent princes, and who Machiavelli left out. Don't blame Greg for his salty language—it's Machiavelli's fault!
Feb 2, 2022 • 1h
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave | The New Thinkery Ep. 81
In observance of the beginning of Black History Month, The New Thinkery guys are taking a look at Frederick Douglass' memoir, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave. Specifically, the group focus on why Douglass wrote the book the way he did, and what lessons can be taken away from Douglass' life and writings.
Jan 26, 2022 • 1h 13min
Anna Schmidt on Maimonides' Letter on Astrology | The New Thinkery Ep. 80
In this edition of TNT, the guys are joined by Anna Schmidt. Together, the group discuss religionism and astrology using Maimonides' letter on the latter as a springboard to dive deeper into the topic.
