The New Thinkery

Kaishuo Chen, a PhD student at Boston College, joins the guys this week for a dive into the teachings of Confucius and exploring the intersection of his philosophy with esotericism. Uncover the practical applications of this unique blend, as the group navigates the ancient teachings and its relevance today, shedding light on the practical implications of merging Confucian principles with esoteric knowledge.

In this episode, delve into the profound philosophical insights of Xenophon's Apology as the guys explore the teachings and reflections of Socrates from Xenophon's point of view. Unravel the layers of Socratic thought and its enduring relevance in modern ethical discourse, as you tour through the intellectual landscape of classical Greek philosophy.

This week, Greg and Alex are joined roundtable-style at UATX by Mark Blitz, Fletcher Jones Professor of Political Philosophy at Claremont McKenna University; Devin Stauffer, Professor and Associate Chair at UT Austin; and Christopher T. Lynch, Head of the Political Science and Philosophy Department at Missouri State University. Together, the group discuss Natural Right & History as well as a few other Strauss writings that assist in imparting a better understanding of Strauss' seminal work. 

This week, the guys continue their mini-series breaking down Shakespeare's Hamlet, this time with a focus on Act III. Delve into the intricate web of Hamlet's psyche as the unraveling Prince grapples with questions of sanity. Explore the iconic soliloquy that has echoed through the centuries, underlining the profound depths of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece.  

This week, the guys are joined by Ronna Burger, Professor of Philosophy, Catherine & Henry J. Gaisman Chair, and Director of Judeo-Christian Studies among other prestigious titles at Tulane University. Burger provides insights on the profound legacy of Moses, delving into the intersection of biblical wisdom and Greek philosophy. Plus: timeless insights that bridge the ancient world to contemporary thought.

This week, the guys return to Leo Strauss' crucially important book, Natural Right and History. The guys discuss the intricate relationship between classical political thought and modernity. Strauss delves into the timeless questions surrounding the nature of political authority, justice, and the tension between individual freedom and societal order. Plus: why Greg doesn't believe David when he tells him a notable individual has died.

The guys are joined by Peter J. Ahrensdorf, the James B. Duke Professor of Political Science and Affiliated Professor of Classics at Davidson College to discuss his book, Homer and the Tradition of Political Philosophy: Encounters with Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche. Ahrensdorf and the guys explore an overlooked but crucial role that Homer played in the thought of Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche concerning relationship between politics, religion, and philosophy. 

In this week's classic episode of The New Thinkery, the guys discuss the Christmas classic: A Christmas Carol. They go through the book's plot, themes, underlying philosophical points, and talk about the cultural impact the book has had since its publication in the nineteenth century. 

This week, the guys are joined for a record sixth time by Dr. Eric Adler, Professor and Chair of Classics at the University of Maryland to talk about his latest work, Humanistic Letters: The Irving Babbitt – Paul Elmer More Correspondence. Adler provides crucial background information about Irving Babbit and Paul Elmer More, the minds behind the New Humamism movement, before turning to sharing thought-provoking commentary on the subject, explaining its value for even a casual reader, and unpacking how it is impacting things like Higher Education today.

In this continuation of a two-part discussion, Professor Tim Burns guides the guys through a thoughtful talk on Leo Strauss, with further discussion on Heidegger, Churchill, Greg's lightning round, and more!