Madison's Notes

In this engaging discussion, Lindsay Stonebridge, a Professor of humanities and human rights, shares her insights from her work on Hannah Arendt. She highlights Arendt's enduring lessons on critical thinking as resistance to totalitarianism. The conversation covers the importance of natality in culture and community, emphasizing promises and forgiveness as foundational concepts. Stonebridge also critiques social media's impact on communication, advocating for deeper dialogue and the tradition of letter writing. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of freedom and responsibility.

Graham McAleer, a philosophy professor and author of "Tolkien, Philosopher of War," dives into the intricate relationship between J.R.R. Tolkien's writings and the philosophy of conflict. He discusses how Tolkien's experiences in World War I shaped his views on humanity and warfare. McAleer highlights Tolkien's critique of vanity through characters like Sauron, and contrasts ambition with mortality in the Numenoreans. The conversation illuminates Tolkien's reflections on deeper moral complexities and the impact of his narratives on modern political ideologies.

Join Robert P. George, a Princeton professor of jurisprudence, and Cornel West, a Harvard professor of public philosophy, as they dive deep into the essence of truth. They discuss the importance of intellectual humility, using historical parallels to emphasize understanding. Their friendship showcases how contrasting views can foster constructive dialogue. The duo also tackles challenges in education, the impact of cultural identity, and how humanity intertwines with the pursuit of truth in a divided society.

In this conversation, Professors Kevin J. Burns, an expert in political science, and Jordan T. Cash, a scholar of political theory, delve into their book on congressional deliberation. They discuss significant historical debates and the contrasting deliberative styles of the House and Senate. The dynamic between congressional authority and presidential power, especially regarding treaty-making, is explored through Woodrow Wilson's controversial strategies. They also unpack the role of Congress in interpreting the Constitution and highlight landmark Supreme Court cases that affect legislative accountability.

This week on Madison’s Notes, we sit down with philosopher and author Charles Taylor to discuss his latest work, Cosmic Connections: Poetry in the Age of Disenchantment (Belknap Press, 2024) . Taylor dives into the profound role of poetry in reconnecting us to a sense of wonder and meaning in a world often characterized by disillusionment. Drawing on his vast expertise in philosophy, Taylor explores how poetry serves as a bridge between the mundane and the transcendent, offering a counterpoint to the rational, scientific worldview that dominates modern life. This conversation offers a deep dive into the power of language, imagination, and the poetic tradition in addressing the spiritual and existential challenges of our time. Join us for a reflective exploration of how poetry can restore enchantment in an age of disenchantment.Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.

In this discussion, Professors Amna Khalid and Jeff Snyder tackle the pressing issues surrounding free speech in academia. Khalid, a specialist in modern South Asian history and an advocate for free expression, shares her journey from Pakistan's oppressive regimes. Snyder, focusing on the history of education and race, highlights the challenges posed by political pressures. Together, they explore the tensions between emotional safety and the necessity for critical dialogue while emphasizing the importance of diverse scholarly endeavors in higher education.

In this episode, Emily Kenway shares insights from her powerful new book Who Cares: The Hidden Crisis of Caregiving, and How We Solve It (Seal Press, 2023), an eye-opening exploration of the invisible world of unpaid caregivers. Drawing from her own experience caring for her terminally ill mother, Emily sheds light on the challenges faced by millions who provide critical care while being marginalized, unsupported, and overburdened. In our conversation, she urges us to reimagine a society that places care at its core, rather than on the sidelines. This conversation is a call to action for all of us to recognize and support those who give so much and ask for so little in return. Tune in to hear why Who Cares? is a book for everyone, now and in the future.Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.

Julia Yost, senior editor at First Things and author of Jane Austen's Darkness, brings a fresh perspective on Jane Austen's works, delving into their moral complexities and spiritual struggles. She challenges the romanticized views of Austen, revealing deeper shadows and societal critiques present in her novels. The discussion explores how Austen's personal challenges influenced her storytelling, the intricate dynamics of her characters, and the relevance of her critiques in today’s world. Yost's insights transform our understanding of Austen's legacy.

This week on Madison’s Notes, we welcome Ramesh Ponnuru, renowned journalist and Editor of National Review. In this episode, we dive into his journey, starting with his formative years at Princeton University, where he began shaping his intellectual perspective as an undergraduate. We explore the highlights of his career in journalism, the principles that guide his writing, and his unique insights into the evolution of political magazines in today’s media landscape. Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation with one of the leading voices in American political commentary.Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.

In this episode of Madison’s Notes, host Laura Laurent sits down with historian Benjamin Nathans to explore his groundbreaking new book, To the Success of Our Hopeless Cause: The Many Lives of the Soviet Dissident Movement. Nathans offers a deep dive into the history of Soviet dissent, tracing the courageous efforts of Soviet citizens who risked everything to challenge the system from within, spanning from Stalin’s death to the collapse of communism. By invoking the very laws of the Kremlin, these dissidents exposed the regime’s internal contradictions, playing a pivotal role in its eventual downfall.The discussion focuses on key figures in this movement, from well-known Nobel laureates like Andrei Sakharov and Alexander Solzhenitsyn to lesser-known but equally vital contributors. Nathans also touches on the broader implications of their struggles for modern authoritarian societies today.Benjamin Nathans, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, is a distinguished expert in Imperial Russia, the Soviet Union, Jewish history, and the history of human rights. His previous acclaimed works include Beyond the Pale: The Jewish Encounter With Late Imperial Russia. Nathans is a regular contributor to the New York Review of Books and is recognized for his expertise on Russian and Eastern European history.Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.