The New Thinkery

This week, the guys mostly put away the books to discuss the importance of fitness, both for physical longevity and mental sharpness. Led by Greg, the guys share their thoughts and experiences with exercise, including their personal exercise regimens and how they balance exercise in their daily lives. Plus: David's biggest pet peeve about exercise advertising.

In this episode, the guys are joined by Professor Ariel Helfer of Wayne State University to discuss his new book on Plato's Letters. Delve into an engaging conversation about the philosophical insights and historical context of Plato's epistolary works, as well as how we ought to contextualize the work itself. 

The discussion tackles the evolution of political philosophy, contrasting classical and modern ideologies with humor and personal anecdotes. The speakers highlight how modern rejections of classical principles have led to a decline in philosophical standards. They explore key thinkers from Aristotle to Machiavelli and the impact of technology on political thought. Additionally, there's an analysis of Medieval philosophy and a deep dive into Nietzsche’s critiques, revealing how modernity shapes personal desires and societal beliefs.

Join the guys for an enlightening continuation of last week's discussion on Leo Strauss' What is Political Philosophy? This week, they delve into part two of the book, focusing on the classical solution to political philosophy. Their exploration reveals timeless insights about the nature of political thought and its enduring relevance, as well as reminding you to "whip it."

In this episode, the guys delve into the profound insights of Leo Strauss' seminal work, What is Political Philosophy? while cracking their hallmark lewd jokes. Join them as they explore Strauss' examination of the nature and purpose of political philosophy, setting the stage for a deep dive into his enduring influence on contemporary thought.    Learn more about this episode's sponor, Ralston College, and their immersive Humanities MA!

The New Thinkery is celebrating its 200th episode this week. To celebrate, the guys convene to do a retrospective of sorts. They take the opportunity to thank listeners, guests, and others, answer listener-submitted questions, give you a peek behind the curtain, and compared to a usual week are a little more... unhinged. Tune in for a fun one!   Learn more about this episode's sponor, Ralston College, and their immersive Humanities MA!

Join the guys as they welcome Marc Landy, professor at Boston College, who provides profound insights from his latest book, America and Modernity. Unpacking the complexities of American politics against the backdrop of modernity, Landy's analysis offers a compelling narrative that sheds light on the evolving nature of the American experience.   Learn more about this episode's sponor, Ralston College, and their immersive Humanities MA!

This week, the guys are joined by Dustin Peone, instructor of liberal studies at Mercer University and a fellow of the Institute for Vico Studies in Atlanta. The group use Peone's new book, Making Philosophy Laugh: Humor, Irony, and Folly in Philosophical Thought as the baseline to dive into discussion about the profound connections between humor and wisdom.   Learn more about this episode's sponor, Ralston College, and their immersive Humanities MA!

Join the guys this week for an engaging discussion on the art of war through the eyes of Niccolò Machiavelli in Christopher Lynch's latest book, Machiavelli on War. Christopher Lynch is Professor of Political Science at Missouri State University and head of the Department of Political Science. Lynch's work offers a fresh look at Machiavelli's timeless insights, showing how they resonate on the world stage, with a special emphasis on war and strategy. The group explore Machiavelli's cunning and political wisdom, and tease out how his ideas still influence our understanding of conflict and power. 

Join the guys this week for a deep dive into Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws with the insightful W. B. Allen, Professor Emeritus of Political Philosophy at Michigan State University, who has recently released a new critical edition of Montisquieu's best known work. Allen places the timeless relevance of Montesquieu's political philosophy and its impact on modern governance on full display during the discussion. Plus: the lightning round makes a comeback!