Concepts with Shawn Whatley

#61 Alexander Brown: Young Voters, Culture, and Politics in Canada

Young conservatives aren't falling in line.
Alex says, "We don't care. I'm not incentivized to look the other way. I don't need an invite to a table of six at Terroni in the back room to talk about continuing the status quo."
In a world when young voters can't afford a house in Canada, you'd think they'd obsess about economics. They don't. They care as much about culture as being able to afford a home.
Alexander Brown works at the front of this young conservative uprising.
Enjoy!
Links:
Without Diminishment
National Citizens' Coalition
Against Andrew Coyne-ism
JunoNews
AI Summary 
In this episode, host Shawn Whatley is joined by Alexander Brown, a prolific writer, journalist, managing editor, and co-founder of Without Diminishment. Alexander also serves as the director of the National Citizens Coalition and hosts a show on Juno News. The conversation delves deep into the frustrations of young voters in Canada, particularly focusing on cultural and economic challenges. They discuss the conservative party's hesitancy to engage in cultural debates and the significance of platforms like Without Diminishment that aim to bridge this gap. Highlighting the growing discontent among young Canadians over issues like home ownership and social cohesion, Alexander and Shawn explore the potential for a rejuvenated conservative movement that does not shy away from cultural conversations. The episode also touches upon the platform's innovative and sometimes controversial content, the importance of addressing young people's concerns, and the broader implications of ignoring cultural issues in Canada's political discourse.
00:00 Introduction: Frustrations of Young Canadian Voters
00:07 The Struggles of the Middle Class
00:26 The Importance of Common Sense and Normalcy
01:34 Introduction to the Guest: Alexander Brown
02:08 Cultural Discussions in Conservative Politics
03:23 The Role of Without Diminishment
04:01 Challenges and Criticisms
05:27 The Need for Cultural Conversations
13:44 The Role of Economics in Politics
26:15 Project Ontario and Conservative Thought
28:31 Net Migration and Healthcare Challenges
28:57 Conservative Campaign Reflections
30:09 Economic Policies and Critiques
32:03 Leadership and Conservative Values
39:17 Mike Harris's Legacy
42:44 National Citizens Coalition
53:10 Challenges for Young People
56:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#60 Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul: Conservative Humanism - Reconciling Tradition and Modernity

Is secular humanism a distortion of an older conservative humanism? And why are conservatives so obsessed with international trade?
The French Enlightenment philosopher Montesquieu argued that international trade promotes peace. He called it doux commerce, gentle commerce. 
In what sense is this a conservative idea?
Fascinating and somewhat subversive discussion with Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul! 
AI Summary:
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley interviews Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul about his co-authored book 'The Wisdom of Our Ancestors: Conservative Humanism and the Western Tradition.' They discuss the evolution and definition of conservatism, its distinction from classical liberalism, and its intersection with nationalism and universalism. Dr. Rosenthal-Pubul offers insights on ancient versus modern liberty, the cultural impact of the Enlightenment, and the importance of maintaining humanism in education and society. This thought-provoking discussion delves into pressing issues in the conservative intellectual movement and the challenges of upholding a coherent conservative philosophy in contemporary times.
00:00 Introduction to Conservatism and Classical Liberalism
00:07 Enlightenment Ideas and Commerce
01:16 Introduction of Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul
01:38 Discussion on 'The Wisdom of Our Ancestors'
02:07 Nationalism vs. Universalism
02:21 Commerce and Conservatism
07:40 Classical Liberalism and Conservatism
09:49 Defining Conservatism
12:32 Education and Tradition
16:26 Universalism vs. Particularism
21:46 Nationalism and Post-Liberalism
28:43 Liberty and Coercion
32:17 Harmonizing Virtue and Liberty
33:28 The Paradox of Freedom and Rationality
34:29 The Enlightenment's Optimism and Its Limits
35:16 The Role of Culture in Human Behaviour
36:06 Balancing Enlightenment and Conservatism
40:11 The Evolution of Humanism
42:00 Classical, Christian, and Modern Humanism
46:01 The Instrumental View of Knowledge
50:42 Conservatism's Cultural Crisis
53:48 Final Thoughts on Conservatism and the West

#59 Tim Sargent: Can Economics Save Canada? Does Economics Serve Politics or Should Economics Rule?

What guides politics? What matters most in political decision making?
Since the 1980s, conservatives have looked to economics for guidance: economic growth, tax cuts, and decreased government spending capture the heart of political thought in North American Conservative political parties.
This sparks two questions. 1) How well did this approach perform? and 2) Will this approach address current social concerns, such as infertility, mass immigration, ethnic unrest, drug supply, public safety, or 'medical assistance in dying'/euthanasia?
Economics is a powerful tool. But it remains silent on the most salient issues today. Dr. Tim Sargent PhD economics explains why.
AI Summary:
Join Shawn Whatley as he sits down with Tim Sargent, a PhD economist with 28 years of experience in the Canadian federal public service. Together, they explore what it means to be a Canadian and discuss whether economics alone can address today's pressing issues such as fertility rates, immigration, defense, security, and more. Tim shares his unique insights on the interplay between classical liberalism and conservatism and underscores the importance of loyalty, duty, and communal values. Don't miss this deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing Canada today.
00:00 Introduction: Can Economics Save Canada?
01:12 Guest Introduction: Meet Tim Sargent
03:57 Defining Canadian Identity
05:43 The Role of Geography and History
10:11 Regional Differences in Canada
17:46 Economics as a Servant, Not a Master
21:38 The Limits of Economics
27:55 The Need for Broader Solutions
31:26 Shifting Immigration Debates in Canada
32:19 Economic and Social Strains of Immigration
32:39 Conservative and Left-Wing Perspectives on Immigration
34:29 Reevaluating Feminism and Women's Happiness
35:36 The Role of Economics in Policy Making
36:48 Conservatism vs. Classical Liberalism
37:24 The Appeal of Classical Liberalism
39:29 Conservatism's Empirical Approach
41:07 Challenges for Modern Conservatism
50:37 Economic Policies and Conservatism
01:01:47 The Fertility Crisis and Cultural Issues

#58 Ross Upshur: AI in Medicine, Limits of Evidence Based Medicine, & What Does It Mean to be Human?

This episode is (ostensibly) about medicine, not politics.
What does human-centred care mean in a world of AI? Are doctors becoming obsolete, when it comes to decision making? When should we hand over our clinical judgement to AI?
I asked Ross Upshur for his thoughts on logical positivism. Are most doctors positivists?  
"Despite it being... as a philosophical and epistemological doctrine... been rather thoroughly discarded... a long time ago. It's the self understanding of our profession," Ross said.
Of course, ideas about what counts as knowledge are inseparable from our political assumptions. So although we do not mention politics in this episode, these ideas are core to how we approach medical 'systems', 'planning', and politics in general.
Articles:
"Three problems with big data and AI in medicine" (Chin-Yee & Upshur, 2019)
"Looking for rules in a world of exceptions: reflections on evidence-based practice" (Upshur, 2005)
Book:
How Doctors Think: Clinical Judgment and the Practice of Medicine by Kathryn Montgomery (2012) 
 
AI summary:
In this episode of Concepts with Shawn Whatley, we are joined by Dr. Ross Upshur, head of the Division of Clinical Public Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto. With over 30 years of experience in the intersection of theory and practice in medicine, Dr. Upshur provides a comprehensive discussion on the role of AI in medicine, the limitations of evidence-based practices, and the critical importance of human judgment and patient history. We explore the impacts of AI and big data on clinical care, the pitfalls of technological dependence, and the ethical ramifications of potential AI-driven healthcare. This thought-provoking conversation dives deep into the philosophical and practical aspects of modern medical practices, providing listeners with valuable insights into the future of healthcare and what it means to retain human-centered care in an increasingly automated world.
00:00 Introduction: Can AI Replace Doctors?
00:02 The Limits of Evidence in Clinical Practice
00:41 AI and Evidence-Based Medicine
01:03 Wearables and Real-Time Data: A Misguided Direction?
01:35 The Public's Frustration and Acceptance of AI
01:44 Human-Centered AI vs. Bot Care
02:19 Welcome and Guest Introduction
02:56 The Evolution of Evidence-Based Medicine
03:53 The Gap Between Theory and Practice
05:26 Patient Stories: The Heart of Clinical Medicine
10:21 AI's Role in Future Healthcare
11:00 The Challenges of Big Data and AI
14:18 Epistemological Concerns with AI
18:38 The Human Experience vs. Quantifiable Data
25:42 Clinical Tools and Judgment
32:38 The Role of Clinical Judgment in Patient Care
33:48 Challenges with Evidence-Based Medicine
34:10 Interprofessional Model of Care
35:29 The Inferential Gap in Medical Practice
38:08 Philosophical Perspectives on Medical Practice
40:02 The Future of Clinical Judgment in the Age of AI
43:27 The Importance of Practical Wisdom in Medicine
48:09 Concerns About AI and Automation in Medicine
53:31 Final Thoughts and Reflections

#57 Grant Havers: Understanding Marshall McLuhan's Relevance: AI, Social Media, and Conservative Thought

"Politics offers yesterday's answers to today's questions."
Grant Havers has been reading McLuhan for 30 years, and it shows in his new book "The Medium is Still the Message: Marshall McLuhan for Our Time."
It's rare to find a book so applicable to our time, especially one written by a philosophy prof! This book is excellent. I expect it will become THE book to reference when you write about McLuhan.
AI Summary:
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley and guest Professor Grant Havers, chair of the Department of Philosophy at Trinity Western University, explore the enduring relevance of Marshall McLuhan's ideas. They discuss how McLuhan's theories help make sense of current technological phenomena such as artificial intelligence, social media, and autonomous weapon systems. Havers explains how McLuhan argued that the rise of the electric and digital ages marked the end of the print age, leading to significant cultural and political shifts. They also delve into the concept of how new media creates environments that shape human behavior and societal structures. Furthermore, the conversation touches on McLuhan's conservative perspectives, the implications for contemporary politics, and the challenges of living in a post-literate society. 00:00 Introduction to Marshall McLuhan's Relevance Today 00:19 The Death of Liberalism and the Rise of Digital Age 01:34 Welcome and Introduction of Professor Grant Havers 05:08 Marshall McLuhan's Biography and Early Life 12:44 Understanding 'The Medium is the Message' 18:39 The Impact of New Media on Society 24:15 Formal Causality and Autonomous Weapon Systems 28:48 Literate vs. Post-Literate Society 37:54 Critique of Post-Liberalism 40:58 Reflections on Historical Perception 42:16 The Evolution of Capitalism 47:54 The Paradox of Reality and Media 54:04 Literacy, Simultaneity, and Progress 01:00:19 Discarnate Identity and Gnosticism 01:17:04 McLuhan's Conservative Perspective

#56 Calum Nicholson: Boomers are Frozen in Fortune & Society is Blinded by Science

Boomers have a worldview "frozen by fortune, not forged in fire." Through no fault of their own, the boomer generation remains blind to aspects of current reality from their experiences growing up in the post-WWII era. That era has ended.
For more on this, check out Dr. Nicholson's guest post on Peter Boghossian: The Boomerang 
 
Our discussion tackles Trump, scientism, climate change, 'masculinity crisis' (Calum says it's an immaturity crisis), and much more. Links below and AI summary follows at the bottom:
 
Co-edited book: Climate Migration: Critical Perspectives for Law, Policy, and Research 
Check out Calum's Substack: Notes from the Isthmus 
You can find more of his work at the Danube Institute: 
Calum's Linktree 
AI Summary
Join Shawn Whatley as he interviews Dr. Calum Nicholson, a lecturer at the Cambridge PACE program and director of research at the Danube Institute, about the significant cultural shifts from the boomer generation to today. They delve into the differences in material security perspectives across generations, the role of science in society, the impact of neoliberalism, and discuss Dr. Nicholson's thoughts on climate change and the social sciences. Additionally, Dr. Nicholson provides insights into Hungary's unique cultural and political landscape, offering a comparative perspective on the Anglosphere and Central Europe. This engaging conversation is an eye-opener on various societal and philosophical questions. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
00:00 Introduction: The Boomer Generation and Cultural Shifts
00:42 The Crisis of Masculinity and Immaturity
01:04 Science and Society: The Role of Scientism
01:47 Interview Introduction: Dr. Calum Nicholson
02:21 The Boomerang: Impact of the Boomer Generation
04:44 Diagnosing Cultural Changes: Symptoms vs. Pathology
08:42 The Influence of Popular Culture: From Comic Books to Presidents
19:09 Generational Differences: Deep Waters vs. Shallow Waters
26:24 Neoliberalism and Its Cultural Impact
38:33 Climate Change and Social Science
45:28 Challenging Social Science Presuppositions
46:41 Science and Society: A Philosophical Inquiry
48:27 The Concept of Climate Change
53:22 The Role of Science in Society
57:34 COVID-19: A Case Study in Science and Policy
01:11:48 The Uncanny Valley of Political Empathy
01:14:39 Understanding Hungary's Unique Perspective
01:20:58 Concluding Thoughts and Future Work

#55 Paige MacPherson: Smartphones, Canadian Education Performance, and School Choice

Canada is libertarian on student cell phones in classrooms and statist on school choice (in most provinces).
We get a poor return on investment when it comes to education in Canada. Our math and reading scores are several years behind (even before Covid). Students are distracted by over 100 messages on their cellphones each day. And teachers cannot control their own classrooms.
We can do better, and Paige MacPherson shows how to do it.
AI summary:
In this episode of 'Concepts,' host Shawn Whatley discusses the significant impacts of smartphones and digital devices on student performance in schools with Paige MacPherson, the Associate Director of Education Policy at the Fraser Institute. They delve into the evidence showing declines in math and reading scores, changes in classroom environments due to digital distractions, and the need for policies banning smartphones in schools. The conversation also spans broader issues such as education quality, the importance of school choice, and insights into the Conservative movement in Canada. Paige shares her expertise on education policy and provides solutions for improving the quality of public education while stressing the differing educational needs of boys and girls. This compelling discussion is a must-watch for parents, educators, and policymakers aiming to understand and navigate the complexities of modern education.
00:00 The Impact of Smartphones on Classroom Performance
00:57 The Case for a Provincial Ban on Smartphones
01:15 Declining PISA Scores and Educational Outcomes
02:33 Introduction to the Episode and Guest
04:47 Smartphones: Benefits and Drawbacks for Students
07:33 Challenges of Implementing Smartphone Bans
11:12 Parental Perspectives on Smartphone Use
17:52 The Role of Technology in Modern Education
19:48 Conservatism Across Canadian Provinces
24:08 School Choice and Public School System
33:14 Reflecting on French Immersion and School Choices
34:04 The Case for Charter Schools and Specialized Education
35:18 The Myth of Wealthy Families in Independent Schools
36:19 The Tension Between Choice and Quality in Education
39:33 Challenges in Teacher Recruitment and Classroom Discipline
43:10 The Importance of Parental Choice and Accountability
45:37 The Decline of Standardized Testing and Curriculum Quality
52:54 The Need for Content-Rich and Rigorous Education
01:01:18 Addressing the Needs of Boys in the Education System
01:06:19 Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks

#54 Étienne-Alexander Beauregard - Gen-Z Conservatism & Anti Civilization: Why Our Societies Collapse From Within

Gen Z sits at the cusp of major change in conservatism. Young people do not feel a warmth and longing for Reagan or Thatcher. Sure, they value freedom, but they also what to know where the guardrails stand.
Étienne-Alexandre speaks clearly for a new generation of non-left thinkers. He asks what might be the role of conservatism in the near future. He says we need to look beyond economic issues and start rebuilding culture.
Our episode ended a bit abruptly, but we only missed a formal goodbye.
Check out É-A's new book: https://amzn.to/46T1Udt
AI summary:
In this episode of Concepts, host Shawn Whatley sits down with Étienne-Alexandre Beauregard, an author, political staffer, and speech writer, to explore the resurgence of conservatism among Generation Z. Diving into themes from Beauregard's latest book, 'Anti Civilization: Why Our Societies Collapse From Within,' the discussion covers the importance of societal structures, cultural norms, and the quest for meaning in an age of unprecedented freedom. They examine the critical role of order and tradition, the impact of higher education on societal values, and the widening gaps between generations and social classes. Gain insights into why younger generations are gravitating towards conservative ideals and the essential elements needed to foster a cohesive and flourishing society.
00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Social Structures
01:28 Guest Introduction: Étienne-Alexander Beauregard
01:55 The Rise of Gen Z Conservatism
03:27 Discussion on Étienne's Book: Anti Civilization
16:12 Generational and Elite Gaps in Politics
24:11 The Quest for Meaning Among Gen Z
30:53 The Impact of Harm Reduction Policies
32:12 Defund the Police: A Critical Analysis
33:57 The Costs of Deconstruction
34:20 Multiculturalism and Woke Movements
40:03 Common Good Conservatism
48:29 Economics and Cultural Identity
54:05 Future Concerns and Reflections

#53 Tristin Hopper: Extremism in Canadian Universities and review of his book, "Don't be Canada"

Once again, Canadian university professors show their extremism in response to Charlie Kirk, a mirror of their praise for Oct 7. 
Professors shape opinion; they shape culture. Do we want the kind of culture they promote?
Turning to his book, Tristin argues that Canada's world-famous policy failures are self-inflicted. He believes we could recover, if we would simply "stop punching ourselves in the n*ts."
Links
How Canadian universities became cheering sections for political violence.
Don't be Canada: How one country did everything wrong all at once.
X @TristinHopper
 
AI Summary:
 
Join Shawn Whatley and guest Tristin Hopper, author and columnist for the National Post, as they delve into the unsettling rise of political extremism in Canadian universities and the broader socio-political landscape of Canada. This episode explores Hopper's new book, 'Don't Be Canada: How One Country Did Everything Wrong All At Once,' highlighting the country's policy failures, unchecked extremism, and the hopeful path to restoration. Hopper shares insights on Canada's unique challenges, political violence celebrated by academics, and the decline of Canadian society through poorly managed policies. Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation on the current state and future of Canada.
00:00 Introduction: Canadian Universities and Political Violence
01:32 Guest Introduction: Tristan Hopper
03:10 Discussing the Article on Political Violence in Universities
06:02 The Radical Left in Academia
11:16 Self-Censorship Among Conservative Students
15:15 Introducing Tristan's New Book
19:50 Canada's Policy Failures and Unintended Consequences
23:14 Canada's Unique Challenges
23:31 Why These Topics?
24:58 Canada as a Cautionary Tale
26:05 High Trust Society and Complacency
28:42 The Role of Immigration
30:33 The Trudeau Factor
32:49 Crime and the Justice System
38:38 Activist Judges and Legal Reforms
42:57 Conservatism in Canada
47:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

#52 Josh Lewis: Conservatism, Saving Elephants, Populism, Donald Trump, and Economic Morality

Josh Lewis is a traditional conservative who has worked in 'government' in America, has served in retail politics, and has interviewed hundreds of leading thinkers in American conservatism.
Josh has a unique ability to bridge the gap between politics and life, philosophy and culture. His developed his skill comes from a deep discomfort with what he saw around him in the Republican Party. 
If you want to understand conservatism, American politics, the US constitution, and Burkean conservatism, have a listen. 
Josh's podcast: Saving Elephants https://www.savingelephantsblog.com/
AI summary:
 
 In this insightful episode, we dive deep into conservatism with special guest Josh Lewis, host of the podcast 'Saving Elephants.' Josh offers his in-depth perspective on the current state of American politics, traditional conservative thought, populism, and the challenges facing the Republican Party. The conversation also explores the economic outlook and moral responsibility of living within our means. Tune in to uncover the nuances between different conservative ideologies and their implications on both policy and practice.
00:00 Introduction to Conservative Thought
01:43 Meet Josh Lewis: Host of Saving Elephants
03:09 The Millennial Conservative Perspective
08:24 Trump and the Evangelical Influence
12:04 The Intellectual Tradition of Conservatism
22:25 Russell Kirk's Legacy and Critique
29:40 Modern Republican Party and Conservatism
35:50 The Struggle Between Power and Principles
36:23 Exploring Leo Strauss and Neoconservatism
36:56 Burke vs. Strauss: Universal Truths and Particularities
45:36 The Role of Elites in Society
52:46 The Constitution: A Conservative Perspective
01:04:30 Economic Concerns and Moral Responsibility
01:09:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts