The New Thinkery

The New Thinkery is a podcast devoted to political philosophy and its history, along with its many guises in literature, film, and human experience generally. Named after Socrates’ infamous “Thinkery” in Aristophanes’ Clouds, The New Thinkery strikes a balance between the seriousness of academia and the playfulness of casual conversation among friends.

Dustin Peone on Comedy and Philosophy 05/08/2024

Dustin Peone on Comedy and Philosophy This week, the guys are joined by Dustin Peone, instructor of liberal studies at Mercer University and a fellow of the Institute for Vico Studies in Atlanta. The group use Peone's new book, Making Philosophy Laugh: Humor, Irony, and Folly in Philosophical Thought as the baseline to dive into discussion about the profound connections between humor and wisdom. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/31133158

Christopher Lynch on Machiavelli on War 05/01/2024

Christopher Lynch on Machiavelli on War Join the guys this week for an engaging discussion on the art of war through the eyes of Niccolò Machiavelli in Christopher Lynch's latest book, Machiavelli on War. Christopher Lynch is Professor of Political Science at Missouri State University and head of the Department of Political Science. Lynch's work offers a fresh look at Machiavelli's timeless insights, showing how they resonate on the world stage, with a special emphasis on war and strategy. The group explore Machiavelli's cunning and political wisdom, and tease out how his ideas still influence our understanding of conflict and power. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/31011963

W. B. Allen on Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws 04/24/2024

W. B. Allen on Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws Join the guys this week for a deep dive into Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws with the insightful W. B. Allen, Professor Emeritus of Political Philosophy at Michigan State University, who has recently released a new of Montisquieu's best known work. Allen places the timeless relevance of Montesquieu's political philosophy and its impact on modern governance on full display during the discussion. Plus: the lightning round makes a comeback! /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30896398

Plato's Hipparchus 04/17/2024

Plato's Hipparchus Join us for a deep dive into the world of Plato as we explore Plato's Hipparchus. The guys unpack this lesser-known dialogue, delving into its themes of justice, leadership, and the ideal state. Discover how Plato's insights from over two millennia ago still resonate in today's society, offering time-tested wisdom and thought-provoking ideas. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30810998

Laurence Berns on Francis Bacon with Martin Yaffe and Nathan Dinneen 04/10/2024

Laurence Berns on Francis Bacon with Martin Yaffe and Nathan Dinneen Join Alex and Greg for an enlightening discussion on Francis Bacon with esteemed guests Martin Yaffe and Nathan Dinneen, editors of . Delve into Bacon's philosophical contributions and their impact on modern thought. Explore his views on knowledge, science, and the human experience, offering fresh insights into this influential figure. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30721018

Raúl Rodríguez on Strauss' View of Tocqueville and Nietzsche 04/03/2024

Raúl Rodríguez on Strauss' View of Tocqueville and Nietzsche This week, Alex and Greg join a live panel hosted by Michigan State University to explore the perspective of Leo Strauss on two towering figures of philosophy and political thought: Friedrich Nietzsche and Alexis de Tocqueville. The guys are joined by Raul Rodriguez, a dean's research associate at MSU, to delve into the nuanced interpretations and critiques that Strauss offers, shedding light on these thinkers' profound impact on modern philosophy and political theory. Plus: the panelists take questions from the audience. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30614468

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act V 03/27/2024

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act V This week, the guys close out Shakespeare's Hamlet by focusing on Act V. The play reaches its dramatic climax as the threads of betrayal, revenge, and madness culminate in a blood-drenched conclusion. The guys dissect the pivotal act, exploring Hamlet's complex character, the consequences of his actions, and the tragic fate that befalls him and those around him. From the haunting graveyard to a gripping duel, the guys analyze the moments that lead to the play's finale. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30519258

Christopher Kelly on Rousseau's Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques, Part II 03/20/2024

Christopher Kelly on Rousseau's Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques, Part II Continuing on Part I from last week, Greg and Alex again replace David with renowned Rousseau scholar Dr. Christopher Kelly, professor of political science at Boston College. The group analyze Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques, this time touching on the enigma of conspiracy and how Rousseau's work fits in with Christian ideas and values. Plus: Dr. Kelly expands on his backstory. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30413038

Christopher Kelly on Rousseau's Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques, Part I 03/13/2024

Christopher Kelly on Rousseau's Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques, Part I This week, Greg and Alex replace David with renowned Rousseau scholar Dr. Christopher Kelly, professor of political science at Boston College. The group focus on how to situate Rousseau, Judge of Jean-Jacques with Rousseau's other writings, how to properly understand Rousseau, and the two enigmas. Stay tuned for part II next week! /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30345503

Robert Bresson's A Man Escaped ft. Tom Cleveland & James Guess 03/06/2024

Robert Bresson's A Man Escaped ft. Tom Cleveland & James Guess This week, Alex and Greg replace David with not one, but two guests! Tom Cleveland rejoins the show with a new title as the Executive Director of the American Political Tradition Project at the Jack Miller Center, and James Guess, with a PhD from the Universtiy of Dallas, appears for the first time. The group take a look at Robert Bresson's A Man Escaped. Despite being a commercial failure at the time, the movie was enjoyed by critics and has plenty to teach us about the human condition even today. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30210833

Douglas Kries on Augustine City of God 02/28/2024

Douglas Kries on Augustine City of God This week Douglas Kries, a distinguished scholar from Gonzaga University, joins the guys as they delve into the profound insights of Augustine's monumental work, The City of God. Explore timeless philosophical questions and the enduring relevance of Augustine's ideas in understanding the nature of society, politics, and the human condition. Gain a deeper understanding of this text and its implications for Christianity in this engaging episode. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30092003

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act IV 02/21/2024

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act IV Join the guys as they delve into the heart of Shakespeare's masterpiece, Hamlet. Act IV revolves around a pivotal moment in the play where the intricate web of deceit and ambition begins to unravel. From the haunting soliloquies to the dramatic confrontations, how this act shapes the course of the tragedy, leading to the climactic finale, is analyzed. Plus: the complexities of Hamlet's psyche, the treachery of Claudius, and the ultimate fate of the troubled prince are unpacked. Stay tuned for Act V! /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/30046903

Devin Stauffer on Leo Strauss' Natural Right & History, Chapter 5, Part 1 on Hobbes 02/14/2024

Devin Stauffer on Leo Strauss' Natural Right & History, Chapter 5, Part 1 on Hobbes Join us as we delve into the profound insights of political philosopher Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History featuring returning special guest Devin Stauffer, Professor and Associate Chair at UT Austin. In this episode, the group unravel the complexities of Chapter 5, Part 1, exploring Thomas Hobbes' enduring impact on political theory. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29896243

Kaishuo Chen on Confucius and Esotericism 02/07/2024

Kaishuo Chen on Confucius and Esotericism 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. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29795088

Xenophon's Apology 01/31/2024

Xenophon's Apology 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. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29684158

Roundtable Discussion of Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History 01/24/2024

Roundtable Discussion of Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History 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. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29584033

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act III 01/17/2024

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act III 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. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29484618

Ronna Burger on Moses as Lawgiver and Founder 01/10/2024

Ronna Burger on Moses as Lawgiver and Founder 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. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29383838

Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History, Chapter 3 01/03/2024

Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History, Chapter 3 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. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29283238

Peter J. Ahrensdorf on Homer 12/27/2023

Peter J. Ahrensdorf on Homer 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, . 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. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29120533

Dickens' A Christmas Carol 12/20/2023

Dickens' A Christmas Carol 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. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29157798

Eric Adler on the New Humanism 12/13/2023

Eric Adler on the New Humanism 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, . 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. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/29003418

Tim Burns on Leo Strauss, Part II 12/06/2023

Tim Burns on Leo Strauss, Part II 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! /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28910603

Tim Burns on Leo Strauss, Part I 11/29/2023

Tim Burns on Leo Strauss, Part I In this opening of a two-part discussion, Professor Tim Burns guides the guys through a thoughtful discussion on Leo Strauss, democracy, technology, and the role of liberal education. Join us for a down-to-earth conversation that explores the intersection of these topics and their relevance in today's world, and stay tuned for the second episode next week, featuring more discussion on Heidegger, Churchill, and more! /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28790308

On Gratitude 11/22/2023

On Gratitude Happy Thanksgiving from The New Thinkery! As the guys convene as the holiday season kicks into high gear, the topic of gratitude is predictably front of mind. Featuring brief readings from a variety of sources, some not often remembered, the guys dig into the idea of gratitude from the Ancient Greeks, to Hobbes, to Lincoln. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28703133

Kafka's In the Penal Colony 11/15/2023

Kafka's In the Penal Colony Join the guys as they dissect Franz Kafka's In the Penal Colony. Dive into the intricacies of the story, exploring its symbolism, existential themes, and the eerie apparatus, as the guys unravel the mysteries of justice, guilt, and societal structures in Kafka's masterpiece. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28608518

Musings on Plato's Symposium Panel 11/08/2023

Musings on Plato's Symposium Panel This week, Alex gathers with Jeff Black of St. John's College, David Levy of St. John's College, and Michael McShane of the Dallas Institute to discuss some of the nuances of his newest book, Musings on Plato's Symposium. This thoughtful panel discussion was put together by the excellent Political Animal Press. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28450322

Fritz Lang's M 11/01/2023

Fritz Lang's M A belated Happy Halloween from the guys at The New Thinkery! Join the guys for a spine-tingling analysis of the 1931 classic, M, as they explore its chilling atmosphere, interesting techniques, and enduring impact on the thriller genre. Delve into the mind of a child murderer, as we dissect this cinematic masterpiece and its timeless ability to send shivers down your spine. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28477358

Stripes & Coriolanus with B.J. Dobski 10/25/2023

Stripes & Coriolanus with B.J. Dobski Join us for an engaging episode with the guys and returning special guest, B.J. Dobski, professor of political science at Assumption University. They explore the surprising influence of Shakespeare's Coriolanus on the 1981 film Stripes. Discover the hidden connections between these two classics, from character dynamics to narrative themes. This thought-provoking discussion connects film and literature, offering new insights into both. Tune in now! /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28388594

Hesiod's "Works and Days," Part I 10/18/2023

Hesiod's "Works and Days," Part I Join the guys this week as they delve into the ancient wisdom of Hesiod's "Works and Days." Discover timeless insights on labor, virtue, and the human condition that continue to resonate today in the first episode of a multi-part mini-series breaking down the moralizing advice Hesiod has for his borther, among other important pieces of the work. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28302803

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