The New Thinkery The New Thinkery

This week, the guys are joined by Dustin Peone, instructor of liberal studies at Mercer University and a fellow of the Institute for Vico Studies in Atlanta. The group use Peone's new book, Making Philosophy Laugh: Humor, Irony, and Folly in Philosophical Thought as the baseline to dive into discussion about the profound connections between humor and wisdom.
 
Learn more about this episode's sponor, Ralston College, and their immersive Humanities MA!

Join the guys this week for an engaging discussion on the art of war through the eyes of Niccolò Machiavelli in Christopher Lynch's latest book, Machiavelli on War. Christopher Lynch is Professor of Political Science at Missouri State University and head of the Department of Political Science. Lynch's work offers a fresh look at Machiavelli's timeless insights, showing how they resonate on the world stage, with a special emphasis on war and strategy. The group explore Machiavelli's cunning and political wisdom, and tease out how his ideas still influence our understanding of conflict and power. 

Join the guys this week for a deep dive into Montesquieu's Spirit of the Laws with the insightful W. B. Allen, Professor Emeritus of Political Philosophy at Michigan State University, who has recently released a new critical edition of Montisquieu's best known work. Allen places the timeless relevance of Montesquieu's political philosophy and its impact on modern governance on full display during the discussion. Plus: the lightning round makes a comeback!

Join us for a deep dive into the world of Plato as we explore Plato's Hipparchus. The guys unpack this lesser-known dialogue, delving into its themes of justice, leadership, and the ideal state. Discover how Plato's insights from over two millennia ago still resonate in today's society, offering time-tested wisdom and thought-provoking ideas.

Join Alex and Greg for an enlightening discussion on Francis Bacon with esteemed guests Martin Yaffe and Nathan Dinneen, editors of The Political Philosophy of Francis Bacon: With Special Attention to the Principles of Foreign Policy. Delve into Bacon's philosophical contributions and their impact on modern thought. Explore his views on knowledge, science, and the human experience, offering fresh insights into this influential figure. 

This week, Alex and Greg join a live panel hosted by Michigan State University to explore the perspective of Leo Strauss on two towering figures of philosophy and political thought: Friedrich Nietzsche and Alexis de Tocqueville. The guys are joined by Raul Rodriguez, a dean's research associate at MSU, to delve into the nuanced interpretations and critiques that Strauss offers, shedding light on these thinkers' profound impact on modern philosophy and political theory. Plus: the panelists take questions from the audience.