The New Thinkery

In this episode, delve into the profound philosophical insights of Xenophon's Apology as the guys explore the teachings and reflections of Socrates from Xenophon's point of view. Unravel the layers of Socratic thought and its enduring relevance in modern ethical discourse, as you tour through the intellectual landscape of classical Greek philosophy.

This week, Greg and Alex are joined roundtable-style at UATX by Mark Blitz, Fletcher Jones Professor of Political Philosophy at Claremont McKenna University; Devin Stauffer, Professor and Associate Chair at UT Austin; and Christopher T. Lynch, Head of the Political Science and Philosophy Department at Missouri State University. Together, the group discuss  Natural Right & History as well as a few...

This week, the guys continue their mini-series breaking down Shakespeare's Hamlet , this time with a focus on Act III. Delve into the intricate web of Hamlet's psyche as the unraveling Prince grapples with questions of sanity. Explore the iconic soliloquy that has echoed through the centuries, underlining the profound depths of Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece.  

This week, the guys are joined by Ronna Burger, Professor of Philosophy, Catherine & Henry J. Gaisman Chair, and Director of Judeo-Christian Studies among other prestigious titles at Tulane University. Burger provides insights on the profound legacy of Moses, delving into the intersection of biblical wisdom and Greek philosophy. Plus: timeless insights that bridge the ancient world to contemporary...

This week, the guys return to Leo Strauss' crucially important book,  Natural Right and History . The guys discuss the intricate relationship between classical political thought and modernity. Strauss delves into the timeless questions surrounding the nature of political authority, justice, and the tension between individual freedom and societal order. Plus: why Greg doesn't believe David when he...

The guys are joined by Peter J. Ahrensdorf, the James B. Duke Professor of Political Science and Affiliated Professor of Classics at Davidson College to discuss his book, Homer and the Tradition of Political Philosophy: Encounters with Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietzsche . Ahrensdorf and the guys explore an overlooked but crucial role that Homer played in the thought of Plato, Machiavelli, and Nietz...

In this week's classic episode of The New Thinkery, the guys discuss the Christmas classic: A Christmas Carol . They go through the book's plot, themes, underlying philosophical points, and talk about the cultural impact the book has had since its publication in the nineteenth century. 

This week, the guys are joined for a record sixth time by Dr. Eric Adler, Professor and Chair of Classics at the University of Maryland to talk about his latest work, Humanistic Letters: The Irving Babbitt – Paul Elmer More Correspondence . Adler provides crucial background information about Irving Babbit and Paul Elmer More, the minds behind the New Humamism movement, before turning to sharing th...

In this continuation of a two-part discussion, Professor Tim Burns guides the guys through a thoughtful talk on Leo Strauss, with further discussion on Heidegger, Churchill, Greg's lightning round, and more!

In this opening of a two-part discussion, Professor Tim Burns guides the guys through a thoughtful discussion on Leo Strauss, democracy, technology, and the role of liberal education. Join us for a down-to-earth conversation that explores the intersection of these topics and their relevance in today's world, and stay tuned for the second episode next week, featuring more discussion on Heidegger, C...

Happy Thanksgiving from The New Thinkery! As the guys convene as the holiday season kicks into high gear, the topic of gratitude is predictably front of mind. Featuring brief readings from a variety of sources, some not often remembered, the guys dig into the idea of gratitude from the Ancient Greeks, to Hobbes, to Lincoln. 

Join the guys as they dissect Franz Kafka's In the Penal Colony . Dive into the intricacies of the story, exploring its symbolism, existential themes, and the eerie apparatus, as the guys unravel the mysteries of justice, guilt, and societal structures in Kafka's masterpiece.

This week, Alex gathers with Jeff Black of St. John's College, David Levy of St. John's College, and Michael McShane of the Dallas Institute to discuss some of the nuances of his newest book,  Musings on Plato's Symposium . This thoughtful panel discussion was put together by the excellent Political Animal Press.

A belated Happy Halloween from the guys at The New Thinkery! Join the guys for a spine-tingling analysis of the 1931 classic,  M , as they explore its chilling atmosphere, interesting techniques, and enduring impact on the thriller genre. Delve into the mind of a child murderer, as we dissect this cinematic masterpiece and its timeless ability to send shivers down your spine. 

Join us for an engaging episode with the guys and returning special guest, B.J. Dobski, professor of political science at Assumption University. They explore the surprising influence of Shakespeare's Coriolanus on the 1981 film Stripes . Discover the hidden connections between these two classics, from character dynamics to narrative themes. This thought-provoking discussion connects film and liter...

Join the guys this week as they delve into the ancient wisdom of Hesiod's "Works and Days." Discover timeless insights on labor, virtue, and the human condition that continue to resonate today in the first episode of a multi-part mini-series breaking down the moralizing advice Hesiod has for his borther, among other important pieces of the work.

Join the guys, with returning guest and Damian Jungerman, an expert on Hannah Arendt, as they unpack Arendt's profound essay, "Ideology and Terror," which sheds light on how totalitarian ideologies can give rise to mass violence and offers new perspectives on the consequences of rigid belief systems. Plus: an opportunity to meet the cast and learn more about Leo Strauss at an upcoming UATX event!

The guys are joined by Professor Nasser Behnegar, Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies at Boston College. The group discuss how Strauss delves into the differences between classical political philosophy and modern political thought, with an emphasis on classical philosophers seeking to discover timeless, objective truths about justice and human nature, while modern thinkers often e...

This week, Alex and Greg take over the show to speak with Shilo Brooks, Executive Director of the James Madison Program at Princeton University, about Nietzsche's essay "On the Use and Disadvantage of History for Life". The group walk through Nietzsche's argument that excessive immersion in historical knowledge can lead to a passive and unhealthy way of life, causing individuals to lose sight of t...

Continuing their mini-series breaking down Shakespeare's Hamlet , the guys sit down this week to take a close look at Act II. The guys analyze every detail, from King Claudius increasing suspicion of Hamlet's erratic behavior to Hamlet's continued feigned madness and expression of his inner turmoil in a soliloquy.

This week, the guys gather to discuss a new book written by our very own Alex Priou! The book, Musings on Plato's Symposium, is a short but powerful series of thoughts on every part of the  Symposium , in lengths varying from a few sentences to a few pages. This episode doesn't go too far into the weeds, instead reamining focused on the broad themes and Alex's writing style and process. 

Continuing their mini-series on Shakespeare's  Hamlet , the guys move from an overview to an thorough analysis of the play's first act. An emphasis is placed on the supernatural elements of the act, as well as the creeping dark atomsphere the act opens with, especailly when compared to the superficial joviality of the second scene that is ultimately unable to fully banish the gloom.

The guys are joined this week by Professor Jacob Howland, Dean of UATX's Intellectual Foundations program. The group takes a closer look at higher education in America to point out what ails it, as well as identify ways to circumvent or cure it, focusing on Prof. Howland's personal experiences and projects he's working on in higher education as a starting point. 

Imagine a Jetsons-esque home that attempts to meet all of your needs while also featuring a room that makes your imagination into reality. Add some behaviorally troubled children imagining bloodthirsty lions into the mix, and you have the setup for Ray Bradbury's  The Veldt . In a dystopian tale that would make an excellent episode of  Black Mirror , Bradbury explores the pitfalls of tech that rob...

In an increasingly tech-driven world, it's easy to forget the human, and what essence of technology actually is. Heidegger's essay,  The Question Concerning Technology , was his attempt to examine tech and humanity. The guys break it all down and connect it to the modern day.