Episodes

  • S4E12 The Wisdom of Our Ancestors

    S4E12 The Wisdom of Our Ancestors
    Oct 30 2024
    Based on The Wisdom of Our Ancestors: Conservative Humanism and the Western Tradition (University of Notre Dame Press, 2023), this week’s conversation with authors Dr. Grahm McAleer and Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Publu focus on the enduring relevance of classical and Enlightenment-era thought for modern political and ethical debates. The book explores into how the traditional wisdom of the west still provides insight into contemporary societal challenges. We discuss the ways in which modern liberalism has moved away from these ideals and how a return to the wisdom of our ancestors might help address current social and political fractures. They examined the balance between individual rights and collective duty, a key theme in both ancient and Enlightenment thought, and how those ideas rely inherently on an understanding of humanism. Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.
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    1 hr
  • S4E11 Religion and Republic: A Conversation with Miles Smith

    S4E11 Religion and Republic: A Conversation with Miles Smith
    Oct 23 2024
    In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with historian Miles Smith, who teaches at Hillsdale College, to discuss his new book, Religion and Republic: Christian American from the Founding to the Civil War (Davenant Press, 2024). In this insightful conversation, we explored the book's themes, which examine the complex relationship between religion and politics in shaping the American republic. Smith delves into how religious beliefs influenced the political ideologies and actions of early American leaders and how these ideas continue to resonate in today's society. During the interview, we touched on the impact of religious thought on the founding principles of the United States, the interplay between church and state, and the lasting influence of these dynamics on American political culture. Smith's depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling provided a fresh perspective on the nation's history, offering listeners a thought-provoking look at the intersections of faith and governance. Miles Smith is a respected historian specializing in American intellectual and religious history, with a focus on how these elements shaped political identities. Currently a faculty member at Hillsdale College, his work is widely recognized for its clarity and thoughtfulness, making Religion and Republic a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of American political thought. Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.
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    51 mins
  • S4E10 The Social Contract in the Ruins: A Conversation with Dr. Paul DeHart

    S4E10 The Social Contract in the Ruins: A Conversation with Dr. Paul DeHart
    Oct 16 2024
    In the latest episode of Madison’s Notes, we sit down with Dr. Paul DeHart, professor of Political Science at Texas State University and author of The Social Contract in the Ruins: Natural Law and Government by Consent (University of Missouri Press, 2024). In this illuminating discussion, Dr. DeHart challenges the prevailing belief that social contract theory and classical natural law are fundamentally incompatible. His book offers a bold argument: political authority and obligation cannot be grounded solely in human agreement but must rest on a deeper, antecedent moral foundation—one that is uncreated and independent of human or divine will. Without this objective moral good, even the widely accepted principle of government by consent loses its coherence. Throughout the episode, Dr. DeHart explores key philosophical questions surrounding political legitimacy and the moral underpinnings of authority. We dive into why modern approaches to grounding political authority through consent alone are self-defeating and how classical natural law is essential to upholding the principles that guide just governance. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the intersection between political theory, philosophy, and morality, as well as the relevance of these ideas in today's political landscape. Whether you're a scholar of political philosophy or simply curious about the foundations of political authority, this episode is packed with rich insights and thoughtful discussion. Dr. Dehart’s other works: Uncovering the Constitution's Moral Design Reason, Revelation, and the Civic Order: Political Philosophy and the Claims of Faith Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.
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    57 mins
  • S4E9 The Fragility of China: A Conversation with Dennis Unkovic

    S4E9 The Fragility of China: A Conversation with Dennis Unkovic
    Oct 9 2024
    In this episode of Madison's Notes, we sit down with Dennis Unkovic to discuss his latest book, The Fragility of China (Encounter Books, 2024). Unkovic delves into the complex forces shaping China's political, economic, and social landscape. From the country's rising internal challenges to its evolving role on the global stage, Unkovic offers a nuanced perspective on why China's future may be more uncertain than it appears. He unpacks the key themes of his book, including economic instability, demographic shifts, and geopolitical tensions, while offering insights into what these trends mean for the rest of the world. Dennis Unkovic is an international attorney with decades of experience advising global businesses on trade, investment, and international relations. He is a prolific author and speaker, known for his expertise in U.S.-Asia relations. In addition to The Fragility of China, Unkovic has authored several books and articles on global trade and economic issues. Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.
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    57 mins
  • S4E8 From Tribalism to Common Humanity: A Conversation with Dr. John Ellis

    S4E8 From Tribalism to Common Humanity: A Conversation with Dr. John Ellis
    Oct 2 2024
    For most of recorded history, neighboring countries, tribes, and peoples everywhere in the world regarded each other with apprehension—if not outright fear and loathing. Tribal or racial attitudes were virtually universal, with no one group being much better or worse in this respect than any other—understandable, given the conditions of life before the modern era. However, over the past 500 years, relations between different peoples have undergone a slow but profound change. In this episode, we explore Dr. Ellis’ upcoming publication, A Short History of Relations Between People: How the World Began to Move Beyond Tribalism. Join us as we examine how a confluence of discoveries, inventions, explorations, as well as social and political changes, gave birth to a new attitude—one expressed succinctly in the Latin phrase gens una sumus (we are all one people). This sentiment has by now become a modern orthodoxy. Ellis recounts how this transition unfolded, outlining the crucial stages of its progress, key events that moved it forward, and the individuals and groups responsible for the eventual dominance of this new outlook. John M. Ellis is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of German Literature at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He taught at universities in England, Wales, and Canada before joining UCSC in 1966, serving as dean of the Graduate Division from 1977 to 1986. A Short History of Relations Between People: How the World Began to Move Beyond Tribalism will be released on October 15, 2024, and available wherever books are sold. Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.
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    55 mins
  • S4E7 Ethical Machines: A Conversation with Reid Blackman

    S4E7 Ethical Machines: A Conversation with Reid Blackman
    Sep 25 2024
    Join us as we discuss Dr. Reid Blackman’s new book, Ethical Machines: Your Concise Guide to Totally Unbiased, Transparent, and Respectful AI (Harvard Business Review Press, 2022). We delve into the intricacies of developing AI and explore the intersection of ethics and innovation. Reid Blackman, Ph.D., is the author of Ethical Machines, creator and host of the podcast Ethical Machines, and Founder and CEO of Virtue, a digital ethical risk consultancy. He serves as an advisor to the Canadian government on federal AI regulations and was a founding member of EY’s AI Advisory Board. He is also a Senior Advisor to the Deloitte AI Institute. Reid has advised and spoken to organizations such as AWS, U.S. Bank, the FBI, NASA, and the World Economic Forum. His work has been profiled by The Wall Street Journal, the BBC, and Forbes, and his written contributions have appeared in The Harvard Business Review and The New York Times. Before founding Virtue, Reid was a professor of philosophy at Colgate University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Contributions to and/or sponsorship of guest does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.
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    53 mins
  • S4E6 Celebrating Constitution Day Pt. 2: A Conversation with Julia Mahoney

    S4E6 Celebrating Constitution Day Pt. 2: A Conversation with Julia Mahoney
    Sep 18 2024
    In this conversation, we explore key issues shaping today’s legal landscape: the complexities of constitutional interpretation, the evolving role and power of the judiciary, and the impact of corruption on governmental systems. We also examine the critical role civic education plays in maintaining a healthy democracy. Julia D. Mahoney is the John S. Battle Professor of Law and the Joseph C. Carter Jr. Research Professor of Law at the University of Virginia School of Law, where she teaches Constitutional Law and Property Law. Her recent scholarship includes articles on government takings of property, the classical legal tradition in education, and feminism and common-good constitutionalism. A graduate of Yale Law School, she is a member of the American Law Institute and serves on the Board of Advisors for the New Civil Liberties Alliance. Show References: A Common Good Constitutional Feminism, Julia Mahoney. Law and Liberty | August 2022 Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.
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    51 mins
  • S4E5 Celebrating Constitution Day Pt. 1: A Conversation with Cass R. Sunstein

    S4E5 Celebrating Constitution Day Pt. 1: A Conversation with Cass R. Sunstein
    Sep 11 2024
    Join us for an in-depth exploration of Professor Cass Sunstein's latest work, Campus Free Speech (Harvard University Press, September 2024). Together, we'll examine the book’s intriguing take on free speech in academic spaces and its broader implications for constitutional interpretation. Professor Sunstein also delves into the exercise of administrative power, with timely discussions on COVID-era authority and the Supreme Court's decision in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council. Gain unique insights from Sunstein on how the Constitution remains a guiding force for the American public in navigating modern challenges. Cass R. Sunstein is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard. He is the founder and director of the Program on Behavioral Economics and Public Policy at Harvard Law School. In 2018, he received the Holberg Prize from the Government of Norway, sometimes described as the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for law and the humanities. In 2020, the World Health Organization appointed him Chair of its Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health. From 2009 to 2012, he was Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, and after that, he served on the President’s Review Board on Intelligence and Communications Technologies, and on the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Board. Mr. Sunstein has testified before congressional committees on many subjects, and he has advised officials at the United Nations, the European Commission, the World Bank, and many nations on issues of law and public policy. He serves as an adviser to the Behavioural Insights Team in the United Kingdom. Professor Sunstein is the author of hundreds of articles and dozens of books, including Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness (with Richard H. Thaler, 2008), Simpler: The Future of Government (2013), The Ethics of Influence (2015), #Republic (2017), Impeachment: A Citizen’s Guide (2017), The Cost-Benefit Revolution (2018), On Freedom (2019), Conformity (2019), How Change Happens (2019), and Too Much Information (2020). He is currently working on various projects involving the regulatory state, “sludge” (defined to include paperwork and similar burdens), fake news, and freedom of speech. Madison’s Notes is the podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. Contributions to and/or sponsorship of any speaker does not constitute departmental or institutional endorsement of the specific program, speakers or views presented.
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    50 mins