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Paul Carrese on George Washington

The New Thinkery

Release Date: 07/03/2024

Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov on the Intention of Rousseau show art Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov on the Intention of Rousseau

The New Thinkery

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 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!

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Panel: Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium, Part II show art Panel: Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium, Part II

The New Thinkery

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, to better understand the questions posed in this episode! 

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Adam Carrington on John Ford's Three Godfathers show art Adam Carrington on John Ford's Three Godfathers

The New Thinkery

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...

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Panel: Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium, Part I show art Panel: Leo Strauss on Plato's Symposium, Part I

The New Thinkery

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...

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Roosevelt Montás on the Virtues of a Liberal Education show art Roosevelt Montás on the Virtues of a Liberal Education

The New Thinkery

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 in 2025! If you want to meet all three of this episode's personalities in person, they'll all be at the upcoming in April. Greg might buy you a coffee if you find him...

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Thomas Powers on the Civil Rights Movement show art Thomas Powers on the Civil Rights Movement

The New Thinkery

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 , 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.

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Samuel Stoner on Kant’s Conjectural Beginnings and the Story of Genesis show art Samuel Stoner on Kant’s Conjectural Beginnings and the Story of Genesis

The New Thinkery

This week, Professor Samuel Stoner steps in for David and helps guide Alex and Greg through Immanuel Kant's thought-provoking short essay Conjectural Beginnings of Human History, where philosophy and religious thought intersect in a speculative retelling of Genesis. The group explore Kant's imaginative account of humanity's emergence from instinct to reason, the birth of moral consciousness, and the challenges of freedom in the earliest stages of civilization.

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Giovanni Ferrari on Plato the Writer show art Giovanni Ferrari on Plato the Writer

The New Thinkery

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!

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Damian Jungerman on Hannah Arendt's Damian Jungerman on Hannah Arendt's "Philosophy and Politics"

The New Thinkery

David and Greg dive into Hannah Arendt's influential essay "Philosophy and Politics" this week alongside returning guest Damien Jungerman, exploring Arendt's insights on the complex relationship between philosophical thought and political action. Together, the group unpacks Arendt's arguments on how thinkers shape—and are shaped by—the political landscapes they inhabit. Plus: some details on the conflict between Strauss and Arendt.

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John Ford's The Sun Shines Bright show art John Ford's The Sun Shines Bright

The New Thinkery

While you are either celebrating or lamenting who appears to be the victor of the 2024 election, the guys are showing their election season spirits, taking a look at John Ford's The Sun Shines Bright. With a backdrop of the Old West, old timey Southern ways lead to the formation of a lynch mob, and a candidate for office must step in to save the masses from themselves. The guys break the film down in detail, unpacking the subtle messages in the film. Plus: Greg tells his story about the one and only time he ever ran for an elected office!

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More Episodes

Happy Fourth of July from the New Thinkery! This week, Alex and Greg are joined by Paul Carrese, professor at Arizona State University and senior fellow at the Jack Miller Center, to discuss George Washington in observance of Independence Day. The group discuss George Washington's ascendancy to power, his attempts to stop factionalism, and his impact as a global figure.