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Sir Roger Scruton is the British philosopher, novelist, composer, etc. Jay likes to talk to him about pressing issues of the day and timeless ones as well. Sometimes, they are in the same group. On this podcast, Jay talks with Sir Roger about the “post-truth age.” And Donald Trump. And the nature of conservatism. And patriotism versus nationalism. And Russia. And democracy.
Do you want more? There is the question of social welfare and whether capitalism can deliver the goods. There is the question of Amazon, the online retailer: Is Trump right in his attacks on it? There is also the question of the smartphone, and all related to it: Are we losing the ability to be fully or properly human? Are the social media robbing us of our manhood, somehow?
Finally, Jay asks Sir Roger about music and books. What has Scruton been listening to lately? Norman Podhoretz says that “Anna Karenina” is the greatest novel. What does Scruton think of that? (He agrees, pretty much, and elaborates.)
A feast, this podcast is, thanks to the wide-ranging, seasoned, and sparkling mind of Sir Roger Scruton.
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Good work, Jay!
I’ll make a point of listening to this one. A conservative philosopher like me!
Absolutely bowled over by Scruton’s equanimity in the face of extremely good—but taxing—questions. His voice and his words helped make me feel sanguine as well. Wonderful.
Even before he mentioned a Jane Austen novel, I knew this was someone with whom I’d love to have tea and just listen to for hours. What a lovely man. Jerram Barrs has some great lectures on Austen: https://www.covenantseminary.edu/resources/tea-with-jerram-jane-austen/