Concepts with Shawn Whatley

#72 Merry Christmas! Embracing Intentional Ignorance and the Meaning of Gift Receiving

Christmas greetings plus one big idea.
Why read? Better yet, why buy books you will never be able to read?
Don't overestimate what you know. Building a personal library of more books that you can ever read will remind you of how much you do not know. It creates a presence in your home of intentional ignorance.
I got the idea from this article: Umberto Eco's Anti-Library 
Thank you so much to my audience and guests! It has been far more fun and informative than I expected.
Wishing you all the best for Christmas and the New Year!
Shawn
AI summary:
In this Christmas special, Shawn Whatley delves into the concept of 'Intentional Ignorance,' inspired by Umberto Eco’s extensive library, to emphasize humility in the pursuit of knowledge. He also reflects on the true meaning of Christmas, including the proper way to receive gifts with gratitude, and the importance of being honest about our inherited cultural attachments. Join the conversation as Shawn intertwines philosophical insights with personal anecdotes to celebrate the Christmas season meaningfully.
00:00 Christmas Greetings and Introduction
00:15 Exploring the Concept of Intentional Ignorance
01:34 The Quest for Certainty and Its Pitfalls
03:33 Connecting Knowledge and Humility
05:42 Embracing Christmas Traditions
06:38 The True Meaning of Christmas Gifts
08:44 Approaches to Receiving Gifts
09:33 Reflections on Gift Giving and Receiving
14:01 Podcast Reflections and Future Plans
15:19 Final Christmas Wishes

#71 Michael Bonner: The Crisis of Liberalism: The Origin and Destiny of Freedom.

Many of our most popular ideas today are medieval. We are all, in some way, medieval thinkers.
Dr. Michael Bonner applies his experience as a historian and political consultant to the current crisis of liberalism. He explains what's going on by reaching back several thousand years.
Although this episode is heavy, his book is highly readable. He covers 2000 years of history in 200 pages. It helps if you know the people he references, but even if you don't, you can follow along. Great writer.
Books:
The Crisis of Liberalism: The Origin and Destiny of Freedom
In Defense of Civilization: How Our Past Can Renew Our Present
 
Looking forward to hearing what you think.
Thanks again!
 
 
AI Summary
In this episode of Concepts with Shawn Whatley, historian Dr. Michael Bonner discusses his latest book, 'The Crisis of Liberalism: The Origin and Destiny of Freedom.' Delving into 2000 years of history, Bonner explores the roots and future of liberalism, highlighting its medieval origins and the inherent challenges it faces today. They question whether contemporary liberalism can offer meaning and community, touching on topics like personal freedom, historical continuity, and the secularization of Christian values. Tune in to learn how these complex ideas affect our society and where we might go from here.
00:00 Introduction: The Crisis of Liberalism
00:57 Meet Dr. Michael Bonner
01:11 Overview of 'The Crisis of Liberalism'
01:45 Historical Context and Liberalism
02:39 Defining Liberalism and Its Challenges
04:54 Philosophical Foundations of Liberalism
11:23 Medieval Roots of Modern Liberalism
13:28 The Evolution of Liberal Thought
33:33 Hegelian View of History and Liberalism
34:36 Challenging the Liberal Establishment
35:04 Medieval Ideas in Modern Times
35:30 The Axioms of Liberalism
37:15 The Self-Evident Truths
39:08 The Evolution of Christian Thought
44:44 The Paradoxes of Liberalism
54:19 The Religion of Humanity
01:03:54 The Future of Liberalism
01:06:09 Concluding Thoughts

#70 Kate Marland: The Conservative Case for High Culture. Engaging Youth Beyond Economic Policies

I'm trying something new: this is a lightly edited transcript from the start of the episode:
Thanks for listening!
Shawn: What do young people want these days? Do they want total unfettered freedom or do they want to be challenged? Check it out.
Kate: This is what I love talking about with young people, because they are ready to rise to this challenge, right? Young people want to be challenged. They want to do things that instil order, they want to go to the symphony and know that there are rules and you don't clap between movements and you should have printed program notes and that it's gonna be programmed in a certain way.
Shawn: Welcome to Concepts. My name is Shawn Whatley. Today we have Kate Marland with us. Kate has a fascinating education. She started out in the fine arts, getting a Bachelor of music, studying viola, at Ottawa and McGill. From there, she went on and did a Master's of Arts in fashion studies at Ryerson with a focus on the opera.
Then she went on and became a lawyer, and she's worked as a lawyer for some time. And then she worked in management. She was the recent manager of the Liberty and Leadership program at the Montreal Economic Institute, and most recently, she's become a contributing editor at the new, media Outlet Without Diminishment on Substack.
She has brought together her background in the fine arts or high culture, as she calls it, and is applying it to today's moment, and right now she finds that especially young people aren't so happy with this life that seems to say, “Leave home, go to school, get a great degree, go get a great job. Live in a box in a large city and make sure you earn lots of money and pay lots of taxes and keep the economy going.”
She said, young people are finding that that's not a great life and there's more to life than that. And the exciting thing about it, or the challenging thing about it is. She and others with her at Without Diminishment are saying not only are we finding that this life is empty and that we need more, but they're also finding that there's a role for government in all this.
So a simple change in tax policy can completely diminish a particular culture, whether it's high arts, symphony, et cetera. And Kate's message here is that Conservatives need to pay a whole lot more attention to preservation of high culture. And again, her background is, uh, music symphony. So our discussion ranged across the tension between an economic liberalism or libertarianism.
We talked about how experience shapes our aesthetic sense.
And we talked about Without Diminishment itself and what they're trying to achieve there and whether or not it's wise to have government impose itself in a way that impacts culture
We talked about the recent couple episodes we've had with, Anthony Koch and Sean Speer, and their ongoing discussion about culture being a central objective for government to fulfill and protect and foster.
Overall a fascinating discussion. Kate is really pouring herself into studying and developing thoughts in this space on culture beyond simply economics. And what role does government have to play? In fostering an environment in which culture can flourish. Anyways, fascinating discussion. I hope you enjoyed as much as I did.
Don't forget to hit like and subscribe. It really makes a big difference. I try not to bug you about it, but let's get on with the show.
 
AI Summary:
 
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley delves deep into what young people really want today with guest Kate Marland. With a rich background in music, fashion, and law, Marland discusses the need for conservatives to embrace and preserve high culture, such as opera and symphony, to foster a spiritually fulfilling society. The episode covers topics such as the intersection of economics and aesthetics, the limitations of libertarianism, and how government policies impact culture. The conversation also ventures into the role of institutions like Without Diminishment and the Montreal Economic Institute in shaping a future that values beauty, tradition, and community. Ideal for anyone keen on exploring how cultural pursuits and economic policies can coexist in a meaningful way.
00:00 Introduction: What Do Young People Want?
00:33 Meet Kate Marland: A Diverse Background
01:17 Kate's Journey and Insights on Culture
01:52 The Role of Government in Culture
03:52 Discussion on Kate's Article
07:56 Balancing Libertarianism and Cultural Appreciation
19:10 Challenges and Value of High Culture
31:17 The Conservative Dilemma: No Perfect Result
32:18 The Malaise of Modern Society
33:16 The Disconnection of Young People
36:25 The Appeal of Tradition and High Culture
37:44 The Role of Government and Institutions in Culture
45:29 Without Diminishment: A New Approach
57:49 The Tension Between Capitalism and Human Value
01:01:19 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#69 Sean Speer: Government MUST remain neutral on culture. Will vs Inheritance a core debate

Here's the other half of the Koch-Speer debate. As usual, Sean Speer offers a nuanced response that seeks to learn at least as much as he hopes to inform.
This whole conversation is essential for Canadians right now, conservatives especially. Its outcome determines the entire cant of the Conservative Party of Canada.
Sean laid out his argument here also: Six reasons why a state-imposed conservative culture is a terrible idea. 
Book mentioned: What Is Conservatism?: A New Edition of the Classic by 12 Leading Conservatives
Thanks so much for checking this out!
 
AI summary:
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley welcomes back Sean Speer, lecturer at the Munk School of Public Policy and a senior fellow at the Public Policy Forum. They delve into the ongoing debate within Canadian conservatism: Is culture a product of will or inheritance? They explore the implications of this divide, the role of state neutrality, and what it means to be a conservative in Canada today. Drawing on historical context, personal experiences, and current issues, this conversation provides rich insights into the evolving conservative movement. Join them for a stimulating discussion on the nature of culture, politics, and society.
00:00 Introduction: Culture and Will vs. Inheritance
00:45 Meet Sean Speer: A Conservative Thought Leader
01:12 Debate on State Neutrality
03:10 Fusionism and Canadian Conservatism
04:24 Sean Speer's Journey and Reflections
05:26 Historical Context and Modern Conservatism
12:12 Institutional Neutrality: Myth or Reality?
20:37 Personal Reflections on Conservatism
35:12 Exploring Individual and Collective Purpose
36:31 The Role of the State in Society
36:39 Edmund Burke and Constitutionalism
38:40 Institutional Changes and Public Neutrality
42:41 Cultural Inheritance vs. Will
50:29 Historical Perspectives on Market Forces
54:58 The New Right and Intellectual Conservatism
01:01:04 Challenges of Pluralism and Trust in Government
01:09:01 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

#68 Anthony Koch: Government CANNOT Remain Neutral on Culture

Anthony says conservatives don't understand politics. He argues in Without Diminishment that "The state is the architect of culture, not a spectator."
Conservatives will keep losing until they realise that the must pick a side, when they form government. They cannot aim to simply manage the state. They need to shape it.
This is a hot debate in Canada right now. Anthony says there is no such thing as a neutral institution. All institutions pick sides. It's impossible to avoid.
Sean Speer takes the other side of the debate. We will post his episode on Thursday this week.
Anthony and Sean are two of Canada's leading political thinkers. You don't want to miss this!
 
AI summary:
 
In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley hosts Anthony Koch, a consultant, entrepreneur, and managing principal of AK Strategies. They delve into the ongoing intellectual debate with Sean Speer on whether the government should remain neutral on cultural issues or actively support and protect a distinct Canadian culture. They explore how deeply embedded visions of culture influence our institutions, including government agencies, universities, NGOs, and not-for-profit organizations. The discussion covers case studies such as recent BC elections, where cultural issues like drug policy, sex education, and refugee acceptance played significant roles. Anthony argues against the myth of neutrality, emphasizing that state institutions have never been neutral and always impact culture. He discusses the importance of a cohesive cultural identity, the challenges of multiculturalism, and the need for conservatives to articulate and implement a clear vision for Canada's future. The episode provides a fascinating and comprehensive analysis of the intersection between culture and politics, offering insights into how conservatives can reclaim cultural ground.
00:00 Introduction: Government's Role in Culture
00:45 Meet the Guest: Anthony Koch
01:26 Debate Overview: Government Neutrality in Culture
02:10 Anthony's Perspective on Cultural Influence
04:31 Historical Context: State and Culture
06:17 The Role of Education in National Identity
11:34 Conservative Strategies and Critiques
13:04 The Impact of Political Leadership
14:33 The Trudeau Legacy and Canadian Identity
16:35 Conservative Vision for Canada's Future
21:31 Judicial Influence and Political Conservatism
32:55 Healthcare Reform and Structural Change
36:01 Introduction to Failing Policy Philosophy
36:13 Infrastructure Argument in Immigration
37:02 Welfare State and Demographic Assumptions
38:08 Economic Contributions of Immigrants
39:24 Cultural Integration Challenges
43:28 Historical Context of Immigration
46:26 Modern Immigration and Cultural Identity
52:25 Political and Cultural Shifts in Canada
01:04:05 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

#67 Matt Spoke: Project Ontario, Real-Life Conservatism, and Building a Strong Conservative Future in Canada

Matt Spoke builds communities, develops housing, creates start-up companies, serves on boards of directors, plans grass-roots political conferences, and raises a family.
Matt embodies a conservative life. 
I first met Matt at the Project Ontario conference he organized (with help from others) in Toronto. He speaks well, listens closely, and can carry a conversation as though you've known him forever. I admired his polish and walked away assuming he must be a management-consultant type: impressive, but too careful to say anything sharp.
I was wrong.
Matt wrote a piece for Without Diminishment titled The First Institution. "Cultural renewal begins not in an election, not in a campaign, but in the ordinary work of raising kids and holding families together." Fantastic presentation of real-life conservatism.
We need more people like Matt; people who can bridge the gap between theory and practice. Ideas are essential, but we also need live them. 
Thanks again for checking this out. Let me know what you think!
 
AI Summary:
 
In this episode of 'Concepts' with Shawn Whatley, board member of the Canada Strong and Free Network, Matt Spoke discusses his impactful work with Project Ontario. They delve into the framing of political conversations, the importance of building businesses, and policies to create a strong, economically vibrant Canada. Matt shares how his experience as an entrepreneur and father translates to his views on conservatism and societal improvement. The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating immigrants, fostering community trust, and the critical role of education in shaping future citizens. Join us for an insightful discussion on the conservative vision for Canada's future.
00:00 Introduction: Setting the Stage for Political Conversations
00:25 Meet Matt Spoke: Developer, Organizer, and Community Insider
02:46 Project Ontario: Addressing Ontario's Drift
06:35 Challenges and Opportunities in Ontario's Policy Landscape
09:24 Conservatism in Office vs. Out of Office
14:02 The Role of Naivety and Innovation in Politics
18:16 Family and Conservatism: A Personal Perspective
28:19 Building Community in an Urbanized Society
32:18 The Role of Trust in Building Community
32:47 Cultural Cohesion in Diverse Urban Areas
33:30 Immigration and Shared Canadian Identity
33:58 The Decline of Community Watch and Social Trust
34:26 Extending an Olive Branch to Newcomers
36:38 Challenges of Integration and Multiculturalism
38:07 The Importance of Shared Culture and Vision
42:41 The Role of Leadership in Fostering Culture
43:54 Economic Policy and Cultural Impact
52:13 The Value of Family and Optimism for the Future
01:00:15 Education's Role in Shaping Society
01:02:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#66 Ben Woodfinden: The New Right and Red Toryism

Ben Woodfinden is a former director of communications for Pierre Poilievre. He has practical experience inside politics mixed with theoretical study and work as a consultant.
When Ben speaks, people listen.
Debate about first principles has finally returned to the Canadian non-left. A new, mostly younger group of conservative writers and speakers have challenged the status quo.
Young people, especially, find that Canada does not work well. Home ownership is a fairytale. Safe cities are nostalgia. And Canadian patriotism is embarrassing and unkind.
The new right refuses to accept these presuppositions. They want politicians who have a vested interest in celebrating Canada itself.
What does this mean for conservative politics? How will this debate turn out?
Ben Woodfinden makes sense of it all for us.
Links:
Still Lamenting? Canada, Grantian Conservatism in the Twenty-first Century, and the Paradoxes of Grant’s Conservatism
Reading Grant in the 21st Century
The new conservative fight isn't red vs. blue. It's young vs. old
The Enduring Appeal of Red Toryism
 
AI Summary:
The New Right and Red Toryism: A Deep Dive with Ben Woodfinden In this episode of Concepts, Shawn Whatley hosts Ben Woodfinden, a consultant, doctoral student, and political theorist, to discuss the dynamics of the new right in Canada. Ben, a prominent contributor to conservative circles, highlights the generational divide in conservatism, and explores whether the real issue is young versus old rather than red versus blue. The discussion delves into political philosophy, particularly focusing on Red Toryism, a distinct Canadian tradition combining status interventionism for conservative ends. Ben also touches on the philosophical underpinnings of conservatism, the importance of grounding politics in first principles, and the future of Canadian identity. This thought-provoking episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of Canadian conservatism.
00:00 Introduction: The New Right in Canada
00:27 Meet Ben Woodfinden: A Conservative Thought Leader
01:08 The New Conservative Fight: Young vs. Old
01:21 Diving into Red Toryism
01:55 Understanding the Conservative Movement
02:20 Ben Woodfinden's Insights on Conservatism
04:30 Generational Divides in Conservatism
08:55 Philosophical Foundations of Conservatism
09:46 The Role of Government and Human Nature
18:12 Classical Liberalism vs. Conservatism
27:03 Liberalism's Historical Context and Limits
30:18 Red Toryism and Human Nature
30:54 Exploring Different Perspectives on the State
31:49 Understanding Toryism and Red Toryism
32:46 The Evolution and Misinterpretation of Red Toryism
33:49 The Canadian Conservative Tradition
35:54 The Role of the State in Canadian Society
41:16 George Grant's Influence and Philosophy
43:00 Modern Reflections on Grant's Ideas
56:08 The Importance of Belief Systems in Modern Society
59:54 Concluding Thoughts on Canadian Identity

#65 Caroline Elliott: Is Canada's Identity at Risk? How can we save Canada?

Canada cannot continue unless we share a common sense of what we love.
In BC, young students learn from daily land acknowledgements that they can never really call Canada their own. It belongs to someone else.
Students in Vancouver sing two national anthems, Canada’s and another belonging to coastal indigenous people. This goes beyond education and cultural awareness. These students learn to venerate indigenous nations to which they can never belong.
New Canadians learn that Canada isn’t something to love and celebrate. It’s something shameful, something to repudiate.
How long can Canada survive this continuous indoctrination?
Dr. Caroline Elliott has spoken up with courage and grace. She presents as a thoughtful, concerned parent of young children, who also happens to be extremely well educated and researched in the fundamental principles of democracy.
When you listen to Dr. Elliott, you will hear the heartbeat behind the Without Diminishment team.
Thanks for checking this out!
 
AI summary:
Join Shawn Whatley and Dr. Caroline Elliott as they explore the complex and pressing issues facing Canada today, from land acknowledgements in schools to indigenous land claims and the challenging dynamics of Canadian liberal democracy. Dr. Elliott, a PhD and co-founder of Without Diminishment, provides her insights on the evolving landscape of Canadian identity, the impact of progressive ideologies in education, and the importance of upholding democratic principles. This episode offers a thought-provoking conversation about the potential future of Canada, the integration of new Canadians, and what it means to be cohesive as a nation. Tune in for an engaging discussion that navigates the difficult terrain of heritage, legitimacy, and the principles that could hold Canada together.
00:00 Introduction: The Future of Canada
00:10 Land Acknowledgements in Schools
01:22 Interview with Dr. Caroline Elliott
01:49 Provocative Pieces in the National Post
03:23 Discussion on Democratic Principles
05:29 The Role of Without Diminishment
08:26 Cultural Identity and Western Values
22:31 Constitutional Challenges and Indigenous Governance
29:49 Reconciling Democratic Principles with Ancestry-Based Membership
30:04 Debate on Charter Application to Indigenous Governments
31:10 Indigenous Perspectives on Development and Community Impact
34:02 Complexities of Indigenous Governance and Public Interest
37:29 Political Interests and Indigenous Issues
40:45 Changing World and New Normals
45:25 Education and Cultural Integration Challenges
54:15 Concluding Thoughts on Canadian Identity and Inspiration

#64 Ray Pennings: Religion in the Public Square. Study of Canada-US religiosity

Want to be active in the public square? Join the symphony. Get involved in what you love. Be public about your pursuit of the true, the good, and the beautiful.
Ray Pennings has spent his life building a winsome and articulate defence of religion in the pubic square. It is not weird to admit we have religious beliefs (including non belief); it's weird to pretend we do not have them.
Canada and USA differ with respect to our approach to religion in the public square. We discuss the latest research from Cardus: a very large survey of over 10,000 people (5,001 in each country) on religiosity. It goes far beyond anything Stats Canada offers.
Boomers continue to keep religion out of the public square and polite conversation. Gen Z increasingly does the opposite. Canada and USA are in the midst of a generational change in social thought and politics.
Links:
Cardus 
How Canada-US religious differences affect politics 
AI Summary:
Join host Shawn Whatley as he sits down with Ray Pennings, co-founder and executive VP of the Think Tank Cardus, to discuss the role of religion in the public square. They delve into the findings of a recent study comparing Canadian and American religiosity, explore the perceived hostility towards religious commitment in Canada, and discuss the broader implications for society. Tune in for an articulate and nuanced discussion on civic engagement, the intersection of faith and politics, and the importance of maintaining hope and authenticity in public life.
00:00 Introduction: Religion in the Public Square
00:36 Meet Ray Pennings: Co-Founder of Cardus
00:54 Study Insights: Comparing American and Canadian Religiosity
01:20 Separation of Church and State: A Deep Dive
02:20 Charitable Giving and Volunteer Work
02:42 Press Release Highlights: Provocative Findings
03:14 Survey Methodology and Key Findings
08:07 Historical Context: Religion and Politics in North America
15:46 Religious Demographics and Trends
25:36 Political Implications of Religious Demographics
31:46 Political Party Dynamics in Canada
32:18 Faith in Public Life: A Complex Landscape
33:20 Historical Influence of Religion in Canadian Politics
34:09 The NDP and Social Gospel Movement
35:14 Tommy Douglas and Fiscal Conservatism
36:15 Christianity and Political Spectrum in Canada
37:40 Separation of Church and State: Risks and Realities
40:43 Principled Pluralism and Religious Freedom
42:05 Institutional Roles and Public Life
45:24 Core Beliefs and Public Engagement
48:36 Survey Insights and Public Perception
01:02:39 Final Thoughts and Summary

#63 Ron Dart: Is Toryism Dead in Canada? The Red Tory Element in Canadian Conservatism

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