Christopher Nadon On Classical Education and Why Kids Can't Read Good No More
Release Date: 01/22/2025
Brian Chau on the Straussian Generation, Part I
The New Thinkery
This week, Alex sits down with Brian Chau of for an extended discussion on a range of topics, from building up UATX, to the Online Right, to Strauss on reactionary thought and esoteric writing. The pair tackle it all. Plus, is Gen Z the most esoteric generation to date?
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Spencer Klavan on Epicureanism
The New Thinkery
A full complement of the guys are joined by Spencer Klavan, repeat offender on the show, host of Young Heretics, newly minted lecturer in the Classica and Languages programs at New College, associate editor at the Claremont Review of Books, and author most recently of . The group sit down to unpack the concept of epicureanism, its progenitor, and how it has expanded from a fringe philosophy of the ancient world into a belief system that governs nearly everyone, even if most people don't know it.
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Zena Hitz on Plato's Charmides
The New Thinkery
In this episode, the guys are all here, and joined by Zena Hitz of St. John's College. Together, the group dive into Plato’s Charmides. What does true wisdom look like? Can self-knowledge lead to a well-ordered soul? Listen in as the cast explore the dialogue’s reflections on temperance, philosophy, and the limits of human understanding. Plato’s insights offer a compelling perspective on the pursuit of wisdom in the modern world.
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Richard Velkley on Heidegger and Strauss
The New Thinkery
In this rerelease of The New Thinkery, the guys are back to help bring in the new year, and are joined by Dr. Richard Velkley, the Celia Scott Weatherhead Professor of Philosophy at Tulane University. They discuss Heidegger, Leo Strauss, and the underlying premises of philosophy. After you've heard the serious stuff, stick around for the lightning round Q&A at the end! Editor's note: please forgive the decreased audio quality of this episode. This was recorded before the guys had proper mics!
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Averroes and al-Ghazali
The New Thinkery
In this rerun of the inaugural episode of The New Thinkery, join the guys as they analyze Averroes' Decisive Treatise and al-Ghazali's Decisive Criterion. Their readings of these great works of medieval Islamic philosophy illuminate the relationship between reason and revelation. If you enjoyed the decisive treatise, check out , which contains a very insightful introductory essay and many helpful notes. Editor's note: please forgive the decreased audio quality of this episode. This was recorded before the guys had proper mics!
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Devin Stauffer on Leo Strauss' Natural Right & History, Chapter 4
The New Thinkery
This week, David has once again died, but Alex and Greg have brought back Dr. Devin Stauffer, Professor and Associate Chair of Government at the University of Texas at Austin. Together, the group dive into chapter four of Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History. Stauffer unpacks Strauss' critique of relativism, his reflections on modernity, and his arguments for the enduring relevance of classical natural right. Whether you're new to Strauss or a seasoned reader, join the guys for a nuanced discussion about truth, morality, and the challenges of living in a postmodern world through thoughtful...
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Christopher Nadon On Classical Education and Why Kids Can't Read Good No More
The New Thinkery
This week, Alex and Greg meet up at UATX and are joined by Dr. Christopher Nadon, Associate Professor of Government at Claremont McKenna College and teacher of Western Civilization and humanities at Emet Classical Academy in New York. The group touch on Allan Bloom's The Closing of the American Mind before delving into Dr. Nadon's experience with just how far American students have fallen academically in recent decades. But not all hope is lost, as the group also discuss potential solutions to the rot infesting the American education system. Recommended reading:
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Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov on Strauss' Debate with Jacob Klein
The New Thinkery
This week, the guys are back and joined once again by Steven Lenzner & Svetozar Minkov to further discuss their latest edited volume, , which serves as the backdrop for this episode. This time around, the group primarily analyze Strauss' debate with Jacob Klein before turning to a quick look at what the editors think are the top five essays in their volume, and more!
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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
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!
info_outlineThis week, Alex and Greg meet up at UATX and are joined by Dr. Christopher Nadon, Associate Professor of Government at Claremont McKenna College and teacher of Western Civilization and humanities at Emet Classical Academy in New York. The group touch on Allan Bloom's The Closing of the American Mind before delving into Dr. Nadon's experience with just how far American students have fallen academically in recent decades. But not all hope is lost, as the group also discuss potential solutions to the rot infesting the American education system.
Recommended reading: The Classical Cure for the Ivies