“A liberal education frees a man from the prison-house of his class, race, time, place, background, family and even his nation.”
-Robert Maynard Hutchins
-Robert Maynard Hutchins
Episode #11: "What is Western Civilization" (ft. James Kierstead)
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Classicist James Kierstead joins the program to discuss his definition of Western Civilization. In recent times, the idea that there is even such a thing as "Western Civilization" has come under fire. These deconstructionists claim that the term itself is slippery and that any attempt to speak about or teach Western Civilization as a discipline is misguided. In this episode, James defends the idea of Western Civilization and explains how we can draw sensible boundaries around this tradition while recognizing and learning from other traditions. James is Senior Lecturer in Classics at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand and the current coordinator of Heterodox Classics, an initiative endorsed by the organization Heterodox Academy. James specializes in Greek history and classical Athens and in political philosophy and democratic political theory. He’s a graduate of Stanford University, as well as Oxford University.
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About the Show:
The Western Canon is a monthly podcast dedicated to examining the timeless stories, ideas, and thinkers of the Western literary tradition. Working chronologically through "the great conversation of history," each episode focuses on a distinct canonical work, set of works, or intellectual period. Featuring lively summary, literary analysis, philosophical discussion, and guest commentary, the show also tackles social and political issues related to Western civilization, the modern university, free speech, well-being, and much more. Educate your mind and feed your soul by tuning in with Jordan Alexander Hill, Gina Santiago, and special guests on the 1st of every month!