The New Thinkery

This week, Alex and Greg meet up at UATX and are joined by Dr. Christopher Nadon, Associate Professor of Government at Claremont McKenna College and teacher of Western Civilization and humanities at Emet Classical Academy in New York. The group touch on Allan Bloom's The Closing of the American Mind before delving into Dr. Nadon's experience with just how far American students have fallen academically in recent decades. But not all hope is lost, as the group also discuss potential solutions to the rot infesting the American education system. Recommended reading: The Classical Cure for the Ivies

This week, the guys are back and joined once again by Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov to further discuss their latest edited volume, Leo Strauss' Published but Uncollected English Writings, which serves as the backdrop for this episode. This time around, the group primarily analyze Strauss' debate with Jacob Klein before turning to a quick look at what the editors think are the top five essays in their volume, and more!

This week, David has been brought back from the dead, but that didn't stop Greg and Alex from bringing two guests on for the show this week: Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov. The two have a new volume out Leo Strauss' Published but Uncollected English Writings that collects Strauss' essays that had previously been circulated mostly in scattered, one-off PDFs online. The group discuss the process of collecting the works, before turning to Strauss' thoughts on the intentions of Rousseau, and close with a teaser for next week!

Happy New Year from The New Thinkery! This week concludes the Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium panel from two weeks ago. The group jumps right into it with questions on tragedy and comedy, explores the definition of eros, and more, before wrapping up with the tiny little question, "what is philosophy?"   If you haven't already, listen to the first part of this panel to better understand the questions posed in this episode! 

In this special Christmas edition, Greg and Alex delve into John Ford’s poignant Western, Three Godfathers. A tale of redemption, faith, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season, the film offers a unique lens on themes of sacrifice and grace. We’re joined by Professor Adam Carrington, who brings his thoughtful perspective to this timeless story. Together, we reflect on its meaning and why it resonates as a holiday classic, despite westerns not typically being associated with Christmas.   You can get more of Prof. Carrington's thoughts by reading his review of Three Godfathers here.   Next week we'll be back with part two of our last week's Leo Strauss symposium!

This week, Greg and David take a break and let Alex do the talking, joined by multiple respected academics as the group gather to discuss Strauss' views on Plato's symposium, in part informed by panelist Rasoul Namazi and Svetozar Minkov's latest book, Leo Strauss on Religion: Writings and Interpretations.  This episode includes an homage to Christopher Bruell, who passed away just prior to the panel taking place, the opening talks of the panelists, and the beginning of back and forth discussion with moderator Hannes Kerber. Next week's episode will be focused on Christmas, but the following episode will be the second half of this panel discussion. 

Is the ideal of a liberal education still achievable in the modern era? Roosevelt Montás, celebrated author and scholar at Columbia University, joins Greg and Alex to examine both its enduring virtues and its shortcomings. Together, the group discuss how a liberal education fosters critical thinking and civic engagement, why it faces resistance, and how it might grow to better serve today’s learners.   Check out ACTC's upcoming events in 2025! If you want to meet all three of this episode's personalities in person, they'll all be at the upcoming ACTC Conference in April. Greg might buy you a coffee if you find him there!

Join the guys, minus David who has inexplicably gone missing, for an empassioned conversation with Carthus College's Professor Thomas Powers of Carthus College, and author of American Multiculturalism and the Anti-Discrimination Regime, as he explores both the successes and challenges of the new civil rights regime. From promoting equality to navigating unintended societal shifts, we unpack how this framework shapes modern multiculturalism, identity, and justice in America. This episode invites listeners to rethink the evolving ideals of civil rights and their impact on our society today.

Join Samuel Stoner, an Associate Professor of Philosophy specializing in Immanuel Kant, as he delves into Kant’s intriguing essay on the origins of humanity. The discussion navigates the intersection of philosophy and Genesis, revealing how Kant imagines humanity moving from instinct to moral awareness. Topics include Kant’s critique of Herder’s views, the implications of ‘the fall’ on human nature, and the role of reason in understanding biblical narratives. Expect humor and deep insights as the hosts unravel complex philosophical themes.

This week all the guys are back in the saddle, and joined by Prof. Giovanni R. F. (John) Ferrari, the Melpomene Distinguished Professor of Classical Languages and Literature and a professor of Classics at UC Berkeley. Over the course of the episode, Prof. Ferrari unpacks his unique approach to Plato with the guys, highlighting things you don't see highlighted frequently when analyzing his works. Plus: does Prof. Ferrari's first car live up to the automotive prestige of his namesake? Find out in the lightning round!