Ministry of Ideas

The great English essayist and linguist Samuel Johnson was writing during the Enlightenment – the period some historians identify as the beginning of the modern age. American author and philosopher David Foster Wallace worked more than two centuries later, in the “post-modern” style. But these two writers shared a common problem: once modernity fractured society’s sense of shared moral norms, how could you write persuasively about morality? This episode looks at how Johnson and Wallace attempted to solve this problem; what struggles plagued their solutions; and why our modern, pluralistic landscape makes their work more valuable than ever.Researcher, writer, and episode producer: Kirsten Hall HerlinFeatured Scholars:  Walter Jackson Bate (1918-1999), Professor of English, Harvard University Matt Bucher, Managing Editor, The Journal of David Foster Wallace Studies Jack Lynch, Professor of English, Rutgers University D. T. Max, Staff Writer, The New Yorker Special thanks: Dutton KearneyFor transcript, teaching aids, and other resources, click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast explores the historical significance of firearms and the prevalence of gun violence in the United States. It examines the development of firearms and the establishment of major gun manufacturing sites. The podcast also delves into the changing attitudes towards the economy and violence, moral complexities surrounding gun production, and global implications of gun control. It emphasizes the effectiveness of firearm control measures in reducing gun violence rates and the need for proactive actions to address this issue.

Three scholars discuss Bartolomé de las Casas, a Dominican missionary who rebelled against slavery and laid the groundwork for the fight against racial injustice. They explore the origins of racism and anti-racism, Las Casas' religious advocacy for indigenous rights, and his impact on Spanish policy. This podcast episode delves into the intersection of faith and social justice, opposing racism in the present, and fostering alliances to achieve justice for all.

This podcast explores the history of race in colonial Mexico through the use of casta paintings. It delves into the racial classification system, challenges the notion of complete subjugation of indigenous Americans, and discusses the complexities of mestizaje and racial mixing.

Explore the myth of the self-sufficient American family and the interdependence of early Jamestown settlers. Learn about the influence of the sovereign family concept in American society and politics, as well as the brutal rule imposed by Della War. Discover the use of fatherly authority in Jamestown and the rise of parental rights movements. Challenge traditional notions of family and community while exploring alternative models of connection.

The podcast explores the importance of genealogy in understanding the impact of the past on the present, with a focus on Georgetown University's connection to slavery. It discusses how African Americans have used genealogy and DNA testing to understand their history, discover their African heritage, and foster healing and reconciliation. The podcast also delves into the significance of genealogy in understanding history, individual identity, and redressing societal racism.

The podcast explores the concept of modernity and challenges the conventional definition as a timeline marker. It delves into ancient Chinese rulers' claims to modernity and the importance of understanding history's impact on the present. The arrival of the empire in China and its significance in starting a new era is discussed. The relationship between modernity and the past is explored, along with the concept of ancestor worship and the importance of engaging with the past. The power of genealogical thinking in acknowledging and working with our haunted past is also highlighted.

This podcast explores the concept of modernity through the lens of mountain climbing and rock climbing. It challenges the idea of 'becoming modern' through climbing and highlights the long history of humans engaging in climbing activities. The episode discusses the motivation and thrill of rock climbing, the birth of modernity in mountain climbing, and the experiences of mountaineers. It also explores the historical significance of mountains and climbing, emphasizing the importance of alternative narratives of modernity. The podcast encourages listeners to learn from the past and envision new paths towards a better future.

Guests Lorraine Daston, Ann Blair, Rebecca Bushnell, Staffan Müller-Wille, James Rosindell, and Amy Tigner discuss Francis Bacon's dream of a universal research garden, the religious motivations behind the quest for knowledge, the significance of naming plants, the development of botanical gardens and Linnaeus's taxonomy system, the importance of cataloging life forms and conservation efforts, and the spiritual worth of all creation and the need for species conservation.

Absorbing the full reality of climate change will require more than a scientific approach. Some American Jews are showing how religious ritual can help us metabolize catastrophic grief while also pointing towards a future rebirth.Guests:-Jennie Rosenn, Founder & CEO of Dayenu-Andrue Kahn, Central Synagogue-Malkah Binah Klein, Community leaderThis episode was produced by Liya Rechtman.Zachary Davis is the host of Ministry of Ideas and Writ Large and the Editor-in-Chief of Wayfare Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices