TrueSciPhi

Podcast Profile: Talking Politics: HISTORY OF IDEAS

Site • RSS • Apple Podcasts
27 episodes
2020 to 2021
Median: 46 minutes
Collections: Philosophy • SciPhi-Adjacent

Description (podcaster-provided):

A new series of talks by David Runciman, in which he explores some of the most important thinkers and prominent ideas lying behind modern politics – from Hobbes to Gandhi, from democracy to patriarchy, from revolution to lock down. Plus, he talks about the crises – revolutions, wars, depressions, pandemics – that generated these new ways of political thinking. From the team that brought you Talking Politics: a history of ideas to help make sense of what’s happening today.
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Themes and summary (AI-generated based on podcaster-provided show and episode descriptions):

➤ Key political thinkers • Modern political ideas • Historical crises • Democracy • Feminism • Utilitarianism • Revolution • Inequality • Leadership • Political philosophy

"Talking Politics: HISTORY OF IDEAS" is a podcast where David Runciman delves into the ideas of seminal thinkers and the development of pivotal political concepts over time. This series offers explorations of influential philosophers and political theorists, discussing their works and the relevance of their ideas to contemporary politics. The podcast covers a diverse array of figures, including John Rawls, Simone de Beauvoir, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jeremy Bentham, and Alexis de Tocqueville, among others.

Listeners can expect in-depth discussions on foundational texts and theories that have shaped political thought. Themes covered include morality and ethics, democracy and statecraft, feminism and patriarchy, colonialism and revolution, liberty and equality. The episodes address how these intellectual contributions have influenced modern political discourse, often drawing parallels between historical crises such as wars, depressions, and pandemics, and today's political challenges.

Runciman frequently examines the motivations and broader contexts within which these ideas were formulated, providing a nuanced understanding of each thinker's perspective. For instance, the podcast navigates through the minimalist state defended by Robert Nozick, the radical feminist critiques by Catharine MacKinnon, and the acute observations on slavery by Frederick Douglass. Similarly, it addresses critiques of representative democracy by Joseph Schumpeter and Max Weber's exploration of political leadership.

Overall, the podcast presents a rich, textured analysis of political ideologies and movements, tracing their evolution and enduring impact. This comprehensive discussion helps listeners gain insights into the trajectory of political theories and their significance in navigating current political scenarios. The podcast is therefore a valuable resource for anyone interested in historical and theoretical underpinnings of modern political thought.

Episodes: