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.

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

Hannah Arendt's "Ideology and Terror" ft. Damian Jungerman 10/11/2023

Hannah Arendt's "Ideology and Terror" ft. Damian Jungerman Join the guys, with returning guest and Damian Jungerman, an expert on Hannah Arendt, as they unpack Arendt's profound essay, "Ideology and Terror," which sheds light on how totalitarian ideologies can give rise to mass violence and offers new perspectives on the consequences of rigid belief systems. Plus: an opportunity to meet the cast and learn more about Leo Strauss at an upcoming UATX event! /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28258547

Nasser Behnegar on Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History, Chapter 2 10/04/2023

Nasser Behnegar on Leo Strauss' Natural Right and History, Chapter 2 The guys are joined by Professor Nasser Behnegar, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Boston College. The group discuss how Strauss delves into the differences between classical political philosophy and modern political thought, with an emphasis on classical philosophers seeking to discover timeless, objective truths about justice and human nature, while modern thinkers often embrace relativism and historical contingency in their approach to politics. Also highlighted is the importance of understanding these foundational differences in order to critically evaluate modern political ideas and their implications for society. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28129142

Shilo Brooks on Nietzsche's "On the Use and Disadvantage of History for Life" 09/27/2023

Shilo Brooks on Nietzsche's "On the Use and Disadvantage of History for Life" This week, Alex and Greg take over the show to speak with Shilo Brooks, Executive Director of the James Madison Program at Princeton University, about Nietzsche's essay "On the Use and Disadvantage of History for Life". The group walk through Nietzsche's argument that excessive immersion in historical knowledge can lead to a passive and unhealthy way of life, causing individuals to lose sight of the present and their own creative potential, as well as his suggestion that history should serve a life-affirming purpose. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28128947

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act II 09/20/2023

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act II Continuing their mini-series breaking down Shakespeare's Hamlet, the guys sit down this week to take a close look at Act II. The guys analyze every detail, from King Claudius increasing suspicion of Hamlet's erratic behavior to Hamlet's continued feigned madness and expression of his inner turmoil in a soliloquy. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/28058076

Alex Priou's Musings on Plato's Symposium 09/13/2023

Alex Priou's Musings on Plato's Symposium This week, the guys gather to discuss a new book written by our very own Alex Priou! The book, Musings on Plato's Symposium, is a short but powerful series of thoughts on every part of the Symposium, in lengths varying from a few sentences to a few pages. This episode doesn't go too far into the weeds, instead reamining focused on the broad themes and Alex's writing style and process. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27994047

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act I 09/06/2023

Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act I Continuing their mini-series on Shakespeare's Hamlet, the guys move from an overview to an thorough analysis of the play's first act. An emphasis is placed on the supernatural elements of the act, as well as the creeping dark atomsphere the act opens with, especailly when compared to the superficial joviality of the second scene that is ultimately unable to fully banish the gloom. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27930567

Jacob Howland on the Crisis of Higher Education and the University of Austin 08/30/2023

Jacob Howland on the Crisis of Higher Education and the University of Austin The guys are joined this week by Professor Jacob Howland, Dean of UATX’s Intellectual Foundations program. The group takes a closer look at higher education in America to point out what ails it, as well as identify ways to circumvent or cure it, focusing on Prof. Howland's personal experiences and projects he's working on in higher education as a starting point. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27857259

Ray Bradbury's The Veldt 08/23/2023

Ray Bradbury's The Veldt Imagine a Jetsons-esque home that attempts to meet all of your needs while also featuring a room that makes your imagination into reality. Add some behaviorally troubled children imagining bloodthirsty lions into the mix, and you have the setup for Ray Bradbury's The Veldt. In a dystopian tale that would make an excellent episode of Black Mirror, Bradbury explores the pitfalls of tech that robs humanity of purpose. The guys discuss and analyze the story's plot, characters, and more. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27739503

Heidegger's The Question Concerning Technology 08/16/2023

Heidegger's The Question Concerning Technology In an increasingly tech-driven world, it's easy to forget the human, and what essence of technology actually is. Heidegger's essay, The Question Concerning Technology, was his attempt to examine tech and humanity. The guys break it all down and connect it to the modern day. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27674805

Steven Hayward on David Mitchell's "Cloud Atlas" 08/09/2023

Steven Hayward on David Mitchell's "Cloud Atlas" This week, the guys are joined for the third time by author, political commentator, and policy scholar Steven F. Hayward, who is replacing David for this episode. The group take a trip to the silver screen to review Cloud Atlas, based on a book of the same name. Discussion ranges from the unique, nested story sequence, characters, and more. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27593511

An Overview of Shakespeare's Hamlet 08/02/2023

An Overview of Shakespeare's Hamlet The guys are back this week with a break from the philosophy books, opting instead for another of Shakespeare's great plays. They generally discuss the plot, characters, themes, and more in this episode. This is just the first episode on Hamlet to set the stage, so to speak. There will be deep dives into each act in the future. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27587166

Jacob Howland on Glaucon's Fate & Plato's Republic 07/26/2023

Jacob Howland on Glaucon's Fate & Plato's Republic This week, the guys are joined by Jacob Howland, author of Glaucon's Fate: History, Myth, and Character in Plato's Republic, among other impressive works, and the McFarlin Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at the University of Tulsa. Howland goes through his analysis and conclusion of Glaucon's fate in Plato's Republic, as well as touhch on additional points concerning the full work. Plus: Greg's (in)famous lightning round! /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27544557

E. M. Forster's The Machine Stops 07/19/2023

E. M. Forster's The Machine Stops This week, the guys dive into the underground world of E. M. Forster's The Machine Stops. People live in pods, communication is done almost solely by instant messaging/video conferencing, and the omnipotent Machine takes care of people's bodily and spiritual needs. The guys analyze the situation and realizations that arise as the machine breaks down and people are condemned to their fate. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27489975

Dostoevsky's The Grand Inquisitor 07/12/2023

Dostoevsky's The Grand Inquisitor This week, the guys turn to Dostoevsky's story within The Brothers Karamazov: The Grand Inquisitor. Centering on two chapters within the book, discussion and analysis ranges from the idea of a benevolent God, to unanswered implications about human nature and freedom, and much more. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27413010

The Declaration of Independence 07/04/2023

The Declaration of Independence This week, the guys convene a day early to bring you an analysis of the Declaration of Independence. Discussion takes the guys through the history of the Declaration, a look at its progenitors, its meaning, and how it fits with America's other important documents like the Constitution. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27348915

Strauss on Euthyphro, Part II with Dr. Hannes Kerber & Dr. Svetozar Minkov 06/28/2023

Strauss on Euthyphro, Part II with Dr. Hannes Kerber & Dr. Svetozar Minkov This week, the guys are joined once again by two esteemed guests: Dr. Hannes Kerber, Postdoctoral Fellow for the Program on Constitutional Government at Harvard, & Dr. Svetozar Minkov, Professor of Philosophy at Roosevelt University. Part II focuses on Strauss' interpretation of Plato's Euthyphro, broken into sections revolving around several important questions Strauss tried to resolve for himself, guided by Kerber and Minkov's diligent analysis. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27295818

Strauss on Euthyphro, Part I with Dr. Hannes Kerber & Dr. Svetozar Minkov 06/21/2023

Strauss on Euthyphro, Part I with Dr. Hannes Kerber & Dr. Svetozar Minkov This week, the guys are joined by not one, but two esteemed guests: Dr. Hannes Kerber, Postdoctoral Fellow for the Program on Constitutional Government at Harvard, & Dr. Svetozar Minkov, Professor of Philosophy at Roosevelt University. The group discuss Kerber & Minkov's new, groundbreaking edited work: Leo Strauss on Plato’s 'Euthyphro': The 1948 Notebook, with Lectures and Critical Writings. Part I focuses on the history surrounding the creation of the book, preliminary thoughts on the content, and why you should care about it. Plus: a discount code for those who want to read Strauss’s newly unveiled 1948 notebook on Plato's Euthyphro, as well as everything else he wrote about it with companion essays by the editors. Stay tuned for Part II next week! /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27200289

Aristotle on Moral Responsibility (Nicomachean Ethics Book III.1–5) 06/14/2023

Aristotle on Moral Responsibility (Nicomachean Ethics Book III.1–5) This week, the guys are on their own as they dive into Book III of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. Discussion focuses primarily on an assessment of Aristotle's views on how we ought to evaluate people's actions under different circumstances. Further analysis covers the source of virtue and vice, and how humans tend to frame decisions when deemed good or bad, as well as problems with Aristotle's theory. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27110982

Eric Adler on The Big Lebowski 06/07/2023

Eric Adler on The Big Lebowski This week, the guys are joined once more by Dr. Eric Adler, Professor and Chair of Classics at the University of Maryland. The group turn to the silver screen as they analyze the cult classic, The Big Lebowski. Amid the antics of the characters throughout the film, the guys analyze whether there is a coherent message lying underneath the calls to just "chill out, man." /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/27040392

Ortega y Gasset on Art with Daniel McDonald 05/31/2023

Ortega y Gasset on Art with Daniel McDonald This week, the guys are joined by a bonafide artist and Greg's colleague, Daniel McDonald, Chair of the Department of Art + Design and professor of art. The group discuss Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset's essay, The Dehumanization of Art, which sought to understand why modern art was moving in a nonrepresentational direction. McDonald offer's an artist's perspective on Ortega y Gasset's thinking and points out where it might be flawed, while the guys bring the layman's perspective. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/26972607

Charlie Thomas on Plato's Female Drama 05/24/2023

Charlie Thomas on Plato's Female Drama This week, the guys are joined by Dr. Charlotte Thomas, Professor of Philosophy among several other titles at Mercer Unviersity and executive director of ACTC. The group discuss Dr. Thomas' book The Female Drama: The Philosophical Feminine in the Soul of Plato's Republic. The discussion roughly follows books V-VII of the Republic and its arguments around justice and what is needed to bring it about. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/26902434

Eric Adler on Tacitus' Germania 05/17/2023

Eric Adler on Tacitus' Germania This week, the guys are joined once again by Dr. Eric Adler, Professor and Chair of Classics at the University of Maryland. The group discuss most of the contents of Germania from the traits of the people and land, to their practices, culminating in Tacitus' thoughts on their value to the Romans. Plus: Dr. Adler ties in one of Tacitus' other works, the Annals, into the discussion. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/26835150

Thomas Cleveland on Aristotle's Metaphysics A 1–2 05/11/2023

Thomas Cleveland on Aristotle's Metaphysics A 1–2 This week, the guys are joined by Dr. Thomas Cleveland, Director of Academic Programs at the Jack Miller Center. The group discuss what it means to understand, to know, and to gain wisdom. They then discuss what people may do in search of knowledge, and the distinction between wisdom and knowledge. /episode/index/show/thenewthinkery/id/26768295

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