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

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Justin Trudeau are universalists. Donald Trump is a (rare) politician who, for the most part, doesn't seem to be a universalist.

Universalism is an essential concept to help us understand modern politics. It's a core pillar of liberalism, but many 'conservatives' are universalists also.

AI Summary

Understanding Universalism: A Deep Dive into Modern Political Philosophy In this episode, we explore the concept of universalism and its impact on contemporary politics. Using quotes from political philosopher Michael Freeden and examples from figures such as Prime Ministers Justin Trudeau and Mark Carney, we delve into how universal values are perceived and implemented in national and international contexts. The script also contrasts universalism with particularism, drawing on historical and current examples, including President Donald Trump's foreign policy. The discussion underscores the importance of situating values within historical and cultural contexts to better understand their application and efficacy in governance.

00:00 Introduction to Universalism

01:46 Defining Universalism

02:27 Examples of Universalism in Politics

06:24 Universalism vs. Particularism

09:45 Universalism in Practice

12:07 Personal Reflections on Universalism

18:44 Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding Universalism

Go ask a professor for a simple definition of liberalism or conservatism. If they are honest, they won't give you a short answer. These terms are super complex. But we need somewhere to start.

In this short segment, I offer a place to start talking about liberalism: a theory with 4 pillars. The first pillar we discuss is individualism. We will discuss conservatism in other episodes.

Part 1 of a 4-part series on liberalism

AI summary below:

Unpacking Liberalism: Understanding its Core Concepts and Individualism

In this episode, we embark on a detailed exploration of liberalism, tracing its origins back to the early 19th century and dissecting its various forms—old fashioned, philosophical, and modern. The focus is on understanding political terminology, the evolution of key political ideologies, and the foundational pillars of liberalism: individualism, egalitarianism, universalism, and meliorism. We delve into the nuances of individualism, discussing its implications in real-life scenarios and its historical roots in the ideas of John Stuart Mill. Join us as we clarify the complexities of political theory and its relevance in today's society.

00:00 Introduction to Liberalism

00:50 Understanding Political Terminology

01:09 Defining Liberalism

02:00 The Evolution of Political Isms

06:28 Core Concepts of Liberalism

07:13 Focus on Individualism

12:57 Challenges of Individualism in Practice

15:30 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Geoff stands out as a new kind of writer on the non-left. He offers hope that embraces Canada's past without repudiation -- truly rare these days

Thanks for listening!

AI Summary

Shawn interviews Geoff Russ, a Vancouver-based writer, about the evolving concept of Canadian nationalism and identity. They discuss the need for newcomers to understand their obligations, the distinction between Canadian and American ideals, and the impact of progressive internationalism. Geoff Russ shares his views on post-nationalism, the importance of Canada's rugged history, and the challenges of maintaining a high-trust society. The conversation also touches on the failures of neoconservatism, the need for a positive vision of Canadian identity, and practical steps to revive a distinct Canadian culture. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on what it means to be Canadian in the modern era.

00:00 Introduction: Obligations and Civilization

00:21 Canadian Identity and Nationalism

00:50 Interview with Geoff Russ: Essays and Ideas

01:41 Post Nationalism and Modern Challenges

05:09 The Role of History and Freedom in Canada

10:18 Urban Issues: Vancouver's Downtown East Side

11:55 Government Responsibility and Individual Agency

16:17 Canada's National Identity Crisis

21:18 High Trust Society and Optimism for the Future

23:02 Rebuilding Canadian Nationalism

23:27 Citizenship and Cultural Unity

25:53 Historical Context and Identity

29:31 Neoconservatism and Modern Politics

34:53 Economic Policies and Free Market Debate

43:13 Canadian Identity and Resource Jobs

44:04 Concluding Thoughts and Future Questions

This episode goes deep into the philosophy of Leo Strauss and the modern Conservative movement by looking at Professor Haver's book on Strauss and Ango-American democracy.

I got too excited with the discussion and stopped paying attention to the recording quality. It's less than I would have hoped, but the content Grant shares is excellent.

I offer a longer summary than usual. Thanks for checking it out!

AI summary:

In this episode, we discuss with Grant Havers, Chair of the Department of Philosophy at Trinity Western University, his book 'Leo Strauss and Anglo-American Democracy: A Conservative Critique.' We dive into several key topics, including the concept of universals within liberal political philosophy, the idea of the open society and its potential threats to democracy, and the principle of Fusionism blending tradition with free market thinking. The conversation also covers the intricate relationship between conservatism and capitalism, the role of Christianity in political philosophy, and future technological impacts like AI and transhumanism. Despite technical issues with the recording, this engaging discussion is valuable for those interested in political philosophy and Canadian conservatism. 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:54 Key Discussion Points 05:39 Introducing Grant Havers 05:59 Diving into Leo Strauss 11:44 Universals and Historical Context 20:34 Neoconservatism and the Managerial State 25:57 Strauss's Concerns on Open Society 31:30 Conservatism and Anti-Communism: A Complex Relationship 32:46 Misconceptions About Conservatism 34:55 Fusionism in Conservative Thought 37:02 The Tension Between Conservatism and Capitalism 42:55 Strauss's Views on Reason and Revelation 50:20 Hegelian Philosophy and Historical Necessity 57:33 Technological Change and Its Implications 01:00:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions

Professor Bruhn is a unique thinker. She calls herself someone of the 'non-left'. Her advocacy on indigenous issues does not rest on the more common progressive principles.

I hope you enjoy the episode!

AI summary:

In this episode, Shawn dives into Canadian political thought with Dr. Jodi Bruhn. They explore topics such as the conservatism of Pierre Poilievre, political and social myths that shape Canada, the comparison between Canadian conservatism and American Republicanism, and the implications of government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic on civil liberties. Dr. Bruhn also touches on her work related to Indigenous affairs and the complex dynamics within Canadian politics today. This episode is a deep dive into varied and complex political ideas that are crucial for understanding Canada's current climate.