Pope Leo's election garnered far more interest than usual. We are in a time of great change. People are paying attention. The Pope shapes public opinion, and people are eager to know what Pope Leo might say.

I asked Peter all the most provocative political questions I could imagine. What might the Pope think about resource development, immigration, pluralism, and social equality. Peter offered answers I haven't found elsewhere.

I hope you enjoy the conversation!

AI Summary:

In-Depth Discussion on Pope Leo XIV and Catholic Social Thought In this episode, host Shawn engages in a comprehensive discussion with public policy expert Peter Copeland about the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. They delve into the Pope's surprising election, his historical namesake Pope Leo XIII, and the significance of Catholic social teaching. The conversation explores complex topics such as the Pope's potential policies on unions, poverty, unity, and social equity, along with theological debates between Augustine and Aquinas. The episode also touches on practical issues like resource development, environmental change, immigration policies, and global moral issues. Peter provides a balanced perspective that highlights the core principles of Catholic social thought, offering hope for the future leadership of Pope Leo XIV.

00:00 Introduction and Renewed Interest in Pope Leo's Election

00:55 Guest Introduction: Peter Copeland

01:07 Diving into Pope Leo the 14th

04:14 Catholic Social Teaching and Modern Implications

10:58 Balancing Authority and Freedom: Augustine vs. Aquinas

17:19 Resource Development and Environmental Concerns

21:52 Global Conflicts and Moral Issues

28:37 Immigration, Pluralism, and National Identity

45:41 Postliberalism and Catholic Integralism

49:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Livingstone worries about postmodernism destroying Truth. I worry about about postmodernism destroying history as a way to understand the present.

David says we need universals to resist postmoderns. I say we should fear universals lest the postmoderns inflict us with their 'values'.

In this episode we resolve the debate (sort of). Thanks for watching!

Please (please!) subscribe. :-)

AI summary:

Navigating Truth and Tradition: A Deep Dive with Dr. David Livingstone on Canadian Political Thought

In this episode, we delve into deep political and philosophical discussions with Dr. David Livingstone, a professor of liberal and political studies at Vancouver Island University. We explore the complex interplay between universal truths and particular historical experiences, focusing on the ideas of Capital T Truth and the practical politics of Canada's founding. Our conversation centers around Dr. Livingstone's chapter on Thomas D'Arcy McGee, one of Canada’s founding figures, and his civic nationalism, as discussed in the book 'Canadian Conservative Political Thought.' Join us for a profound exploration of the roots of Canadian identity, the challenges posed by postmodernism, and the enduring relevance of historical conventions in shaping a nation's values and governance.

00:00 Introduction to the Debate on Truth

00:43 Exploring Universal Values and Relativism

01:18 David Livingston's Perspective on Capital T Truth

02:54 Thomas D'Arcy McGee's Civic Nationalism

07:34 McGee's Views on Canadian Identity and Democracy

10:58 The Tension Between Universal and Particular Truths

15:41 McGee's Thoughts on Aristocracy and Education

20:03 Balancing Liberty and Stability in Canada

23:23 The Role of Philosophy and Education in Nation-Building

26:31 Reconciling Historical Empiricism and Universal Truths

38:29 The Evolution of Vocabularies and Human Nature

39:15 The Importance of Constitutional Order

41:28 The Role of Liberal Studies in Understanding Life's Purpose

42:34 Challenges Facing Liberal Studies Programs

43:21 The Decline of Constitutional Awareness

47:23 The Importance of Historical Context in Law

59:24 The Role of Universities in Shaping Society

01:03:09 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

Can a country survive if we aren't united about common fundamental matters?

Pro-Hamas protests block streets in Toronto. They have even forced ambulances to turn around. This has really bothered me. Aside from basic procedural solutions -- keeping a lane open for emergency vehicles or having police enforce the law -- can we solve the deeper, existential issue this raises for Canada?

I think we have an opportunity to reclaim sanity from the fevered anger and protest that has invaded from outside our borders.

AI summary below:

The Role of Friendship in Politics: A Deep Dive with Professor John von Heyking

In this episode, host Shawn and Professor John von Heyking, Chair of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Lethbridge, discuss the complex intersection of friendship and political philosophy. They explore Aristotle's views on virtues, political friendship, and civic responsibility, applying these concepts to modern-day Canada. The conversation covers recent social and political events, including pro-Palestine protests in Toronto, the impact of high immigration levels, and the idea of leisure in political life. This thought-provoking discussion aims to provide insights into how we can improve Canada and understand politics better.

00:00 Introduction to Virtue and Friendship

00:14 Political Community and Leisure

01:07 Current Events and Moral Reflections

01:45 Introducing Professor John Von Heyking

02:18 The Role of Friendship in Political Virtue

03:13 Aristotle's Virtues and Friendship

08:41 Defining Political Friendship

13:45 Aristotle's Knowledge Types and Practical Wisdom

22:15 Friendship as a Universal and Particular Concept

25:22 Common Law vs. Top-Down Legislation

27:55 The Common Law Model and Canadian Identity

28:30 Friendship and the Notion of the Foreigner

29:33 Aristotle's View on Citizenship and Equality

31:23 Conservative Views on Immigration

32:37 Protests and the Concept of Friendship

37:01 Political Prudence and Balancing Goods

38:45 Kindness and COVID-19

40:37 Transactional Nature of Modern Politics

43:13 Friendship and the Individual vs. Person Debate

47:15 Aristotle on Leisure and Political Activity

51:15 Final Thoughts on Political Friendship