Concepts with Shawn Whatley

#15 Mark Milke: Navigating Victimhood and Utopianism

Mark gets things done. He’s written over 1000 columns, participated in nearly 100 research studies, and has published 6 books. He captures the zeitgeist of the centre-right over the last few decades. Definitely someone to follow!Books mentioned: The Victim Cult, 1867 ProjectDr. Milke’s think tank: The Aristotle Foundation for Public PolicyIn this episode, Dr. Mark Milke discusses the importance of examining cause and effect in shaping civilization, the pitfalls of utopian thinking, and the diverse perspectives offered in his book 'The 1867 Project'. Dr. Milke, a seasoned author and researcher, also delves into the dangers of chronic victimhood as outlined in his book 'The Victim Cult'. Other topics covered include classical liberalism, conservatism, libertarianism, immigration, and the evolution of public policy in Canada. This thought-provoking discussion is a must-watch for anyone interested in political philosophy, societal reform, and contemporary issues. 00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Cause and Effect 00:22 Meet Dr. Mark Milke: Author and Think Tank Expert 00:49 The 1867 Project: Understanding Utopianism 01:08 Historical Perspectives on Imperfection 01:45 The Problem with Utopian Thinking 03:17 Debunking Myths: Ranking Ideas and Values 03:58 The Superiority of Certain Ideas 05:34 Challenges in Modern Civilization 07:34 The Importance of Honest Conversations 08:51 Indigenous Canadians: Addressing Disparities 11:56 Justin Trudeau's Post-Nationalist Comments 18:11 The Role of Classical Liberalism 27:01 Understanding Economic Outcomes Beyond Racism 28:11 Libertarianism vs. Classical Liberalism 29:38 The Power of Deep Beliefs and Reform 31:32 The Role of Ideas in Foreign Affairs 32:06 The Importance of Reality in Political Ideologies 42:25 The Victim Cult: Origins and Implications 46:08 The Necessity of Responsibility in a Rights-Based Society 49:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com

#14 Brianna Morris - The Charter, COVID, and Parliament vs Judiciary

In this episode, political expert Brianna Morris discusses the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the impact of COVID-19 on political decisions, and the evolving meaning of conservatism in Canadian politics. She explores the balance between judicial and parliamentary supremacy, the role of government, and the need for a positive vision in conservative campaigns. Morris also shares insights into the challenges of upholding rights and the shifts in political alignments, while highlighting the importance of fostering a cohesive Canadian identity. 00:00 Introduction: Rights and Politicians 00:25 Meet Brianna Morris 00:53 Defining Conservatism in Canada 02:15 Conservatism and Capitalism 04:10 Master's Thesis: Charter of Rights and Freedoms 04:41 COVID-19 and Charter Rights 07:19 Judicial vs. Parliamentary Supremacy 09:45 Practical Politics vs. Academic Discussions 10:53 Alberta Bill of Rights Movement 19:33 Canadian Identity and National Unity 23:39 Focusing on the Positive 24:14 American and Canadian Values 24:33 Conservative Campaign Strategies 25:10 The Role of Religion and Myth 28:18 Social Conservatism and Its Challenges 31:37 Libertarianism vs. Social Conservatism 35:03 The Future of Canadian Politics 43:42 Balancing Tradition and Progress 47:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com

#13 Bruce Pardy - Exploring Political Labels and Libertarian Philosophy

In this episode, host Shawn welcomes Bruce Pardy, a Professor of Law at Queen's University, as they delve into various political labels and philosophies within Canadian politics. They discuss the misalignment of political party names with their actual values and the definition of conservatism in Canada. Bruce critiques the underlying collectivism in conservative principles and emphasizes the importance of individual liberty, distinguishing between classical liberalism, libertarianism, and conservatism. The conversation also covers the potential for Alberta's independence, the role of morality in governance, and the limitations of laws. Finally, Bruce shares insights from his think tank, Rights Probe, and his Substack writings, advocating for a minimalist state that prioritizes non-coercion and individual freedom. Book mentioned:Ecolawgic: The Logic of Ecosystems and the Rule of LawEcolawgic: The Logic of Ecosystems and the Rule of Law, (Fifth Forum Press, 2015)147 Pages Posted: 27 Sep 201500:00 Introduction: The Misleading Names of Canadian Political Parties 00:29 Guest Introduction: Bruce Pardy 00:57 Defining Conservatism in Canadian Politics 01:30 The Role of Socialized Medicine in Conservatism 03:30 Classical Liberalism vs. Conservatism 05:03 Libertarianism and the Use of Force 10:21 Government Propaganda and the Use of Tax Dollars 17:56 Libertarianism vs. Anarchism 23:26 The Role of Cultural Norms in Libertarianism 39:00 The Legitimacy of Laws and Libertarian Principles 41:39 Discussing Alberta's Independence 44:18 Historical Context of Prairie Provinces 44:44 Representation Issues in Canadian Politics 45:44 Quebec's Unique Position 51:07 Philosophical Debate on Beauty and Liberty 55:14 Critique of the Canadian Constitutional System 01:04:25 Libertarianism and Rights Probe 01:19:02 Concluding Thoughts on Governance and Liberty This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com

#12: Caylan Ford - Exploring the Soul of Conservatism

In this deep and thought-provoking discussion, Shawn interviews Caylan Ford, a documentary filmmaker, writer, researcher, charter school founder, and former political candidate. They explore the moral responsibilities of individuals on all sides of the political spectrum. Caylan delves into the importance of guarding our souls against the moral perils of modern politics, the value of metaphysical questions, and the role of education in cultivating virtues. With references to thinkers like Plato, Voegelin, and Aristotle, Caylan and Shawn examine how society's focus on materialism and the rejection of traditional values contribute to contemporary crises. They discuss the profound impact of beauty, suffering, and silence on the human experience and the necessity of a common good in politics. The conversation highlights the inherent tension between the quantifiable and the ineffable in modern life and the importance of maintaining an openness to the transcendent. 00:00 Guarding Our Souls in Political Times 00:55 Introducing Caylan Ford: A Multifaceted Career 01:36 The Fundamental Question: Why Does Anything Matter? 02:55 Metaphysical Significance and Human Flourishing 04:45 Plato, Vogelin, and the Nature of Reality 10:28 The Role of Education in Apprehending Reality 12:45 The Importance of Silence and Inner Stillness 19:52 Modern Society's Relationship with Mortality 26:51 The Consequences of Avoiding Metaphysical Questions 31:23 The Enlightenment and the Rejection of Tradition 32:12 The Importance of Cultural Roots 32:55 The Dangers of Uprootedness 34:11 Totalitarianism and the Atomized Man 34:49 Defining the Common Good 37:00 Philosophical Undertakings and the Order of Being 38:23 Conservatism and the Human Experience 44:49 The Role of Beauty and Family in Conservatism 54:15 COVID-19 and the Impact on Society 58:23 Concluding Thoughts on ConservatismThanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com

#11: Revolutionary times, liberalism vs conservatism, & the quest for a better life

Times always change, but our time is changing faster than usual. We live in a rare moment of revolution — a paradigm shift in culture, politics, economics … everything. As Ginny Roth said in episode #3, “Nothing is settled.”Since World War II, western countries have held a shared set of principles — a common operating system, if you will. Most people call it ‘liberal democracy’. It includes a long list of assumptions about freedom, the individual, rule of law, deference to reason and evidence, trust in science, respect for experts, and much more. Those ideas are no longer assumed or shared. Many academics abandoned them long before I was born, but regular people never doubted them until recently. The 2008 financial crisis shook many people’s faith in liberal principles, but we hoped it was a blip, a black-swan event. In hindsight, 2008 was one car on an accelerating train. Trump’s ride down the escalator in 2015, Brexit in June 2016, and then Trump’s first victory in November 2016 are all connected. Even so, diehards refused to doubt their faith in liberal first principles, while the train kept gaining speed.In late 2019-early 2020, China welded doors shut on apartment buildings to contain a novel infection. Western countries soon declared a state of emergency for a new SARS virus. Borders closed. Police arrested families out walking in the park. By the summer, we had George Floyd, Black Lives Matters, Capital Hill Autonomous Zone in Seattle, and more. Canada’ s Freedom Convoy in 2022 sparked similar events around the world. Prime Minister Trudeau’s Emergency Measures’ Act solidified his notoriety with citizens’ bank accounts frozen for donating $50, mounted policed trampling a disabled woman, and more. All due to COVID, right? But the train hasn’t slowed. Today, 98% of academic job postings discriminate based on DEI criteria. America has started to abandon identity-based employment discrimination, but Canada remains committed. Doctors must not question a teenager’s gender dysphoria to avoid breaking new law that bans ‘conversion therapy.’ Medical Assistance in Dying is now the 5th leading cause of death in Canada, in which most patients choose voluntary euthanasia with only a few choosing physician-assisted suicide. It goes on with the Russia-Ukraine war. Hamas attacked a music event killing and kidnapping the old and very young. Canadian citizens celebrate Hamas with parties in the street. Students shut down universities in solidarity.This long list is too short, of course. In isolation, each event might elicit a proper, liberal explanation. Citizens misunderstand freedom. Prime Minister Trudeau needs lessons on parliamentary democracy. Students mistake their own privilege. Conflict in the middle east would stop if we abandoned tribalism and historical grievances. Faith in the western liberal order need not waver. Except it does, and it should. Leave aside the long list of events. The Israel-Hamas war by itself forces us to question our principled support for pluralism (see Sean Speer in episode #5). Given a decade of remarkable events, October 7 demands we reassess our assumptions about western liberal democracy. Do our core assumptions still hold?In a way, our revolutionary moment makes up for the unique, relative stability of the post-WWII liberal era. We are returning to a state more typical of modern human history: one that involves continual contest interspersed with moments of social order rarely enduring long enough to be taken for granted. Revolutions awaken a search for ways to speak about things that most people already know to be true. Since the start of human history, children grow up, gain skills, develop interests, find mates, build homes, and raise families. This only sounds radical to modern, liberal minds — a tiny minority in human history. Most Conservative parties and spokespeople have been, until now, essentially liberals (as many guests have noted on this show). But Conservative parties are changing. ‘Conservative’ political theory is shifting away from the basically liberal framework shared by other political parties. It is rediscovering a new conservatism (or a new, new-conservatism).Roger Scruton, the late British philosopher, called conservatism a “work of rescue.” Many writers have noted how conservative ideas revive in times of crisis. People grow tired of a world that makes their heads spin. They abandon simple, ‘self-evident’ ideologies in favour of simple living. Regular people hunt for old habits and ideas that they can use to improve modern life. They rediscover meaning in a quest for a truly good life — a life well lived — instead of the limitless frenzy of late-stage liberalism.Conservatism has no holy book. It has no prophet — no Oracle at Delphi. Instead it offers a messy library of trial and error. Just to be clear, liberty predates liberalism by more than a thousand years. The rule of law, trial by jury, habeas corpus, private property, stable government and all the other key features of western civilization came about centuries before liberalism. Several thousand years of failures help us identify rare success. Things that work well almost never come de novo by genius and invention. The best ideas often appear to come by chance, after centuries of failure. I created this podcast to tackle the massive shift we are experiencing in political theory, public policy, and modern culture. My starting hypothesis is that conservatism and liberalism are not the same thing. I hope to rediscover the differences between conservatism and liberalism in politics, culture, education, philosophy, economics, religion, history, and more. I think it holds the answer to a better life. I hope you will join me in the search! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com

#10: Chris Milburn - Navigating Healthcare, Bureaucracy, and Free Speech

In this episode, Dr. Chris Milburn, an emergency and family physician from Nova Scotia, shares his journey through medicine, public health, and politics. Dr. Milburn explains his evolution from a Green Party member to a vocal critic of expansive government regulations, recounting significant experiences including his firing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dialogue touches on the challenges of modern medical education, the inefficiencies of a bureaucratic healthcare system, and the necessity of free speech in medical discourse. Key topics include the impact of governmental control on healthcare workers, the erosion of medical education quality, and the foundational beliefs in libertarianism and conservatism. Free Speech in Medicine conferencePairodocs’ Collection of Heresy Substack00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts on Government Responsibility 00:19 Introducing Dr. Chris Milburn 00:50 Dr. Milburn's Green Party Experience 05:03 Challenges in Emergency Medicine Leadership 06:39 Public Health and COVID-19 Controversies 14:33 Medical Education: Then and Now 24:10 The Shift in Medical Education 25:07 Impact of Reduced Training Hours 26:27 Healthcare System vs. Patient Care 30:22 The Cost of Healthcare 35:29 Free Speech in Medicine Conference 45:48 Challenges in Rural Healthcare 48:45 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com

#9: Andrea Mrozek - Why Marriage Still Matters

In this episode, we discuss with Andrea Mrozek her new book on marriage titled 'I... Do? Why Marriage Still Matters.' Andrea, a seasoned journalist and think tank expert, delves into the societal importance of marriage in today's secular, post-Christian society. We explore the strong link between marriage and fertility rates, the ongoing debate between the institutional and soulmate models of marriage, and the nuanced impacts of the sexual revolution on modern relationships. Drawing insights from historical contexts and recent survey data, Andrea emphasizes the need for a broader conversation about marriage, its benefits, and the societal trade-offs at play. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of why marriage remains a cornerstone for flourishing communities. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:15 Discussing Andrea's Book on Marriage 00:50 Quotes from the Book 01:46 The Importance of Marriage in Society 03:58 Marriage and Fertility Rates 07:05 Cornerstone vs. Capstone View of Marriage 08:50 Sliding vs. Deciding in Relationships 16:11 The Institutional vs. Soulmate Model of Marriage 25:41 Trade-offs in Social Policies 27:53 Misapplying Postures in Personal Relationships 28:52 The Impact of the Sexual Revolution 29:42 The Birth Control Pill and Family Dynamics 30:55 Economic Perspectives on Marriage and Children 33:18 The Pressure of a Successful Marriage 36:25 The Role of Family Structure in Society 42:42 Philosophical Views on Marriage 45:04 The Importance of Stable Families 47:00 A New Message for Marriage 50:34 Concluding Thoughts on Marriage and Society This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com

#8: John von Heyking - Exploring Conservatism and Community

In this episode, I welcome Dr. John von Heyking, Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, to discuss the meaning of conservatism in Canadian politics. The conversation delves into the 2013 Alberta floods as an example of community response, the evolving nature of conservative movements over recent decades, differing ideologies within conservatism, and the importance of community and individual rights. We also cover philosophical perspectives from thinkers like David Walsh and Eric Vogelin, the dynamics between individual and collective values, and the current political landscape in Canada. 00:00 2013 Alberta Floods: Community Response 01:04 Introducing Dr. John von Heyking 01:58 Defining Conservatism in Canadian Politics 04:43 The Role of Community in Conservatism 09:06 Friendship vs. Community 10:40 The Concept of Individual Rights 20:02 The Common Good and Its Implications 25:16 Critiques of Liberalism and Conservatism 28:44 French Enlightenment and Its Influence 29:46 Locke, Hobbes, and Modern Liberalism 31:04 Hume's Radical Philosophy 31:50 Classical vs. Modern Political Philosophy 33:17 Virtue and the Liberal State 37:54 Religious Wars and Tolerance 42:59 Canadian Identity and Civic Responsibility 52:03 Philosophical Anthropology and Ideologies 01:00:16 Current Canadian Political Issues This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com

#7: Brian Lee Crowley - Exploring Canada’s Political and Social Fault Lines

In this insightful episode, Dr. Brian Lee Crowley, founder and executive director of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, joins Shawn to discuss his books and the critical issues facing Canada's political and social landscape. Dr. Crowley delves into the themes of his book 'Gardeners vs. Designers' to outline the deeper fault lines in Canadian politics beyond party lines. He provides a detailed account of the significant budget reforms during the Chrétien-Martin era, highlighting Canada's shift towards smaller government and its benefits. The discussion also touches on the adverse effects of expansive government policies on institutions like healthcare, drawing from history to suggest approaches for meaningful reform. The episode concludes with Dr. Crowley sharing his concerns about the current state of Canada's identity and its crucial relationship with the United States. Books mentioned:Gardeners vs. Designers: Understanding the Great Fault Line in Canadian Politics Fearful Symmetry -- The fall and rise of Canada's founding values The Canadian Century: Moving Out of America's Shadow 00:00 Introduction to Canadian Budget Reforms 00:57 Introducing Dr. Brian Lee Crowley 01:55 Gardeners vs. Designers: Understanding Canadian Politics 07:24 The Canadian Century: Moving Out of America's Shadow 15:43 Impact of Government Reforms on Citizenry 30:57 Challenges in Canadian Healthcare System 42:11 Concerns for Canada's Future 48:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com

#6: Lori Regenstreif - Navigating Addictions and Vulnerabilities

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of addiction, treatment, and the balance between agency and intervention with Dr. Regenstreif, a family physician and national expert on addiction medicine. Dr. Regenstreif shares her experiences from working in inner-city Hamilton to the Northwest Territories, discussing the history and impact of opioid prescribing, the rise of fentanyl, and effective harm reduction strategies like naloxone distribution and supervised injection sites. The discussion also touches on the broader social issues intertwined with addiction, such as poverty and mental illness, and explores the contentious topic of decriminalizing drugs. Join us for an in-depth conversation on how to support vulnerable individuals while navigating the intricate landscape of addiction treatment. 00:00 Introduction: Balancing Autonomy and Support for Vulnerable Individuals 00:22 Concerns About Government Intervention in Vulnerabilities 00:40 Introducing Dr. Regenstreif: Expert in Addiction Medicine 01:20 The Evolution of Safe Supply in Addiction Medicine 01:41 The Impact of Purdue Pharma and OxyContin on Addiction 03:13 The Rise of Methadone Clinics and Business Models 04:17 The Emergence of Fentanyl and Its Consequences 07:00 Harm Reduction Strategies: Naloxone and Supervised Injection Sites 10:02 Trials and Evidence for Safe Injection Sites 17:36 The Shift in Homeless Population and Substance Use Disorders 22:15 The Role of Prescription Opioids in Addiction 23:57 Revisiting the Opioid Crisis 24:47 The Shift to Heroin and Fentanyl 26:09 Challenges in Pain Management 27:27 Harm Reduction and Decriminalization 28:58 Patient Autonomy and Tough Love 36:20 Legalization and Its Impacts 39:34 The Future of Addiction Treatment 42:46 Concluding Thoughts on Addiction Policy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shawnwhatley.substack.com