Toryism has faded in Canada, but it still gets blamed for backsliding and bad behaviour in Conservative Party politics.

(Full disclosure: I have never seen myself as a Tory, neither High, Low, Red, Blue, or traditional.)

Political labels, especially old ones, mean nothing without definition. Even with working definitions, labels often bleed into each other at the edges, especially upon application to policy and law.

Since Toryism continues to get blamed for influencing how Canadian Conservatives think, trying to uncover and define Toryism seems a worthy exercise.

Ron Dart challenged me. He has a deep understanding of classics, which I admire. I will have to visit with him again to understand his deference to the state, as I see it.

Professor Dart is a delightful man: erudite, kind, thoughtful, and magnanimous. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

AI Summary

In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Professor Ron Dart, an expert on Toryism and the author of over 40 books, including 'The North American High Tory Tradition.' Together, they explore the nuances of Toryism and Red Toryism in Canada and the common misconceptions surrounding them. The conversation also delves into broader themes such as the role of the state, individualism, and the importance of historical memory and contemplation in contemporary society. Professor Dart provides insightful commentary on figures like George Grant, Stephen Leacock, Edmund Burke, and more, challenging prevalent assumptions and offering a deep analysis of political and philosophical traditions.

00:00 Introduction: Is Toryism Dead in Canada?

00:18 Exploring Toryism and Red Toryism

00:39 Meet Professor Ron Dart

00:51 The North American High Tory Tradition

01:36 Challenging Perceptions of State and Society

02:35 The Role of Innovation in History

05:00 Defining Toryism

08:32 The Fragmentation of Toryism

10:36 Red Toryism and Its Historical Context

16:45 Healthcare and the Role of the State

26:12 Toryism and Anglicanism

39:43 The Reformation and Individualism

48:23 Exploring Human Nature and Identity Politics

48:51 The Culture War and Liberalism's Tensions

51:51 Aristotle's Wisdom and the Role of Friendship

55:09 Hegel, Charles Taylor, and Liberalism

56:42 Critiquing Modern Liberalism and Conservatism

01:08:47 The Importance of Memory and Contemplation