Month: November 2020

Introduction to Charles Taylor’s The Malaise of Modernity (Audio)

November 30, 2020

Charles Taylor’s brief book, The Malaise of Modernity, published in 1991, identifies three worries that lead to a general malaise–a feeling of being lost or being in decline, feelings that are pervasive today. These worries stem from the problems associated with individualism, instrumental rationality and a decay of politics. All three are tied together. Unlike some other authors who also deal with these problems, Taylor sets out to see if there is any way that the true benefits that have developed from these three phenomena can be separated from their evils, and whether and how we can get out from under the domination of a new kind of authority stemming from technical rationality itself–the tutelary power of “soft despotism.” The ideas of Tocqueville, Kierkegaard and Nietzsche are briefly touched on because Taylor references them as indicative of elements of the malaise. … More Introduction to Charles Taylor’s The Malaise of Modernity (Audio)

Introduction to Charles Taylor’s The Malaise of Modernity (Video)

November 30, 2020

Charles Taylor’s brief book, The Malaise of Modernity, published in 1991, identifies three worries that lead to a general malaise–a feeling of being lost or being in decline, feelings that are pervasive today. These worries stem from the problems associated with individualism, instrumental rationality and a decay of politics. All three are tied together. Unlike some other authors who also deal with these problems, Taylor sets out to see if there is any way that the true benefits that have developed from these three phenomena can be separated from their evils, and whether and how we can get out from under the domination of a new kind of authority stemming from technical rationality itself–the tutelary power of “soft despotism.” The ideas of Tocqueville, Kierkegaard and Nietzsche are briefly touched on because Taylor references them as indicative of elements of the malaise. … More Introduction to Charles Taylor’s The Malaise of Modernity (Video)

The Francis Option, Not the Benedict Option (McCarraher 10-Audio)

November 21, 2020

In this final part of my series on Eugene McCarraher’s The Enchantments of Mammon, I discuss ideas from his excellent epilogue, including his endorsement of Romantic sacramental radicalism, and his reference to Pope Francis as well as scholars like Hardt and Negri to make his case that we are challenged to a new way of life reflected in the phrase (in contrast to Rod Dreher’s “Benedict Option”) the (my words) “Francis Option.” … More The Francis Option, Not the Benedict Option (McCarraher 10-Audio)

The Francis Option, Not the Benedict Option (McCarraher 10-Video)

November 21, 2020

In this final part of my series on Eugene McCarraher’s The Enchantments of Mammon, I discuss ideas from his excellent epilogue, including his endorsement of Romantic sacramental radicalism, and his reference to Pope Francis as well as scholars like Hardt and Negri to make his case that we are challenged to a new way of life reflected in the phrase (in contrast to Rod Dreher’s “Benedict Option”) the (my words) “Francis Option.” … More The Francis Option, Not the Benedict Option (McCarraher 10-Video)

Mises, Hayek, Rand, Friedman: Prophets of Another Faith (McCarraher 9-Audio)

November 15, 2020

Inspired by Chapter 26 of Eugene McCarraher’s The Enchantments of Mammon entitled “The New Testament of Capitalism,” I focus on the intellectuals whose ideas undergird the faith in the “free market.” Taking both the concept of faith and what these thinkers said seriously, it’s hard to miss that their perspective runs counter to the faith of people of the book (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) because it enchants the market with godlike and irresistible “laws of nature” and promises to solve all the world’s problems. Neoliberal capitalism is another ideology that, because it is ultimately a human invention, cannot deliver the grandiose benefits it promises, and yet requires of its believers more unquestioning reverence than any truly transcendent power asks of them. … More Mises, Hayek, Rand, Friedman: Prophets of Another Faith (McCarraher 9-Audio)

Mises, Hayek, Rand, Friedman: Prophets of Another Faith (McCarraher 9-Video)

November 15, 2020

Inspired by Chapter 26 of Eugene McCarraher’s The Enchantments of Mammon entitled “The New Testament of Capitalism,” I focus on the intellectuals whose ideas undergird the faith in the “free market.” Taking both the concept of faith and what these thinkers said seriously, it’s hard to miss that their perspective runs counter to the faith of people of the book (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) because it enchants the market with godlike and irresistible “laws of nature” and promises to solve all the world’s problems. Neoliberal capitalism is another ideology that, because it is ultimately a human invention, cannot deliver the grandiose benefits it promises, and yet requires of its believers more unquestioning reverence than any truly transcendent power asks of them. … More Mises, Hayek, Rand, Friedman: Prophets of Another Faith (McCarraher 9-Video)

What’s Wrong–Election Crisis 2020 (Audio)

November 7, 2020

Weaving insights from Eugene McCarraher (The Enchantments of Mammon), my interview with Chris Cutrone, and another authors I’ve covered over the last couple of years, along with my understanding of the history of political thought and rudimentary economics, I try to take the long view of the current impasse between “conservatives” and “liberals” in the US which has led to yet another very close and deeply divided presidential election, made worse by escalating resentments, tensions and paranoia. Why are we here? What’s wrong? The answer is way deeper than even “the democrats don’t get it” (although they don’t). … More What’s Wrong–Election Crisis 2020 (Audio)

What’s Wrong–Election Crisis 2020 (Premier tomorrow at 1 pm CT)

November 6, 2020

Weaving insights from Eugene McCarraher (The Enchantments of Mammon), my interview with Chris Cutrone, and another authors I’ve covered over the last couple of years, along with my understanding of the history of political thought and rudimentary economics, I try to take the long view of the current impasse between “conservatives” and “liberals” in the US which has led to yet another very close and deeply divided presidential election, made worse by escalating resentments, tensions and paranoia. Why are we here? What’s wrong? The answer is way deeper than even “the democrats don’t get it” (although they don’t). … More What’s Wrong–Election Crisis 2020 (Premier tomorrow at 1 pm CT)

What is Dignity? A Message for Everyone (Short Takes)

November 4, 2020

On Election Day, I wanted to share a message for everyone, not one “side” or the other, and not just for today. Human dignity is under assault from many quarters, but even in this most difficult season, with Covid and an election where it feels like the stakes are incredibly high, it is even more important to step back and remember who we are–and who we could be. Inspired by several studies of honor that I have made over the years, including Honor in America? Tocqueville on American Enlightenment. … More What is Dignity? A Message for Everyone (Short Takes)