The New Thinkery
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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.
202 Episodes
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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. Learn more about this episode's sponor, Ralston College, and their immersive Humanities MA!
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.
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 critical edition 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!
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.
Join Alex and Greg for an enlightening discussion on Francis Bacon with esteemed guests Martin Yaffe and Nathan Dinneen, editors of The Political Philosophy of Francis Bacon: With Special Attention to the Principles of Foreign Policy. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1The 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, Homer and the Tradition of Political Philosophy: Encounters with Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche. 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.
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This somewhat pretentious discussion sounds more like a conspiracy theorist's view of Plato's Symposium than an honest intellectual analysis. And there are 7 hours still to go in the series! Perhaps it gets better with this episode it is off to a bad start.