Concepts with Shawn Whatley

#35 Peter Copeland: The politics of Pope Leo XIV. What can we expect from the new pope?

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

#34 David Livingstone: Radical Conservatives, postmodernism, and D'Arcy McGee on Canada's Founding

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

#33 John von Heyking on political friendship, pro-Hamas protests, and the future of Canada.

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

#32 Mark Carney and Justin Trudeau are universalists. Donald Trump is not. What is universalism?

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

#31 Simplifying liberalism. Start with individuals.

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

#30 Geoff Russ -- Hope for Canada vs progressive internationalism

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

#29 Grant Havers on Leo Strauss, Conservatism, and Modern Political Issues

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

#28 Jodi Bruhn: Political Myths, the non-left voter, and COVID fallout

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.

#27 Ted Morton: The Charter Revolution & Conservative Politics

Ted Morton offers a perspective you cannot find anywhere else in Canada. He's an academic, turned politician, returned academic from Alberta. 
If you want to understand Canadian politics, you simply have to spend time digging into Alberta. Ted has a great sense of humour and seems to love chatting about the thorniest political issues. He jokes that he doesn't have to worry about what he says now that he's retired.
I hope you enjoy the episode as much as I did!

#26 Another short introduction. Why would an MD bother with politics?

Our lives are shaped by the political systems in which we live. When our country starts to struggle, we need to revisit the ideas that animate the programs and structures around us.
In just under 5 minutes, I explain why we need to focus on political ideas now, and why philosophical conservatism offers a (paradoxically) new and fresh way to think.
If you agree and think that this is a worthy quest, please click like and subscribe. It seems like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. Reviews, comments, and feedback greatly improve the chance of a podcast's survival, no matter where you find it.
Also, please consider becoming a supporter through my Patreon (coming soon)
Thanks again. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Shawn