Freedom and Virtue -The Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Freedom & Virtue Institute
The official podcast of The Freedom & Virtue Institute. A place for those interested in ideas and who are committed to the advancement of a society that believes in human dignity and individual freedom. Host, Ismael Hernandez is the founder of the The Freedom and Virtue Institute and author of the book, Not Tragically Colored.
Freedom and Virtue Tradition, episode 12: Passages from "The History of Freedom in Antiquity" by Lord Acton.
"The History of Freedom" at Online Library of Liberty
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Freedom and Virtue Tradition, episode 11: Passages from A Treatise on Political Economy by French economist Jean-Baptiste Say.
Say's Treatise at the Online Library of Liberty
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Freedom and Virtue Tradition, episode 10: Passages from Reflections on the Revolution in France by British political thinker Edmund Burke.
Burke's Reflections at Project Gutenberg.
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Freedom and Virtue Tradition, episode 9: Passages from "Sphere Sovereignty," by Dutch Reformed statesman and public intellectual Abraham Kuyper.
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Freedom and Virtue Tradition, episode 8: Passages from The Federalist Papers, no. 39 by James Madison, on federalism and republicanism.
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In this second episode of the Free and Virtuous People series, Kevin summarizes his interview with Liz Cunningham, who, with husband Sean, raises a family on and sells meat from their ranch in Oregon.
The Free and Virtuous People series will tell the stories of “ordinary” people who have flourished and contributed to their communities through the practice of everyday virtues such as courage, perseverance, compassion, thoughtfulness, and generosity. In the face of diverse and sometimes challenging environments or circumstances, they have demonstrated true freedom—the capacity to choose the good and strive toward the end for which they were created.
Previously published in digital print at the Freedom and Virtue Review.
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Freedom and Virtue Tradition, episode 7: Excerpts from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics on the virtue of justice.
Episode 6: Aristotle on virtue
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The rule of law is indispensable to a free an virtuous society, and a well-functioning rule of law requires a supportive culture.
Originally published as a commentary at FVI's Substack journal.
Adam Tomkins's article at Law & Liberty.
Thomas Howes's article at The Vital Center.
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Freedom and Virtue Tradition, episode 6: Excerpts from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics on virtue in general, and on the virtues of courage, temperance, liberality, and good temper
Book 3 of Nicomachean Ethics at Internet Classics Archive
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In this fifth episode of Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition, Kevin spotlights passages from Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations that describe the nature and benefits of specialization among tasks and workers.
Wealth of Nations at Project Gutenberg
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In this inaugural episode of our Free and Virtuous People series, we tell the story of an Ohio entrepreneur who grew up on a Mohawk reservation in New York.
The Free and Virtuous People series will tell the stories of “ordinary” people who have flourished and contributed to their communities through the practice of everyday virtues such as courage, perseverance, compassion, thoughtfulness, and generosity. In the face of diverse and sometimes challenging environments or circumstances, they have demonstrated true freedom—the capacity to choose the good and strive toward the end for which they were created.
Previously published in digital print at the Freedom and Virtue Review.
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In this fourth episode of Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition, Kevin cites passages from three popes—Gelasius I, Boniface VIII, and Leo XIII—on the distinction between the spheres of temporal and spiritual power.
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In this third episode of Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition, Kevin highlights the reflections on civil society and associations from Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America.
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Marking the anniversary of one of Pope John Paul II's encyclical letters, Kevin reflects on the importance of a proper understanding of human reason.
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In this second episode of Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition, Kevin excerpts passages on the natural law from Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica.
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Inaugurating a new podcast series—Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition—research director Kevin Schmiesing reads a classic text by the French economist Frederic Bastiat: "The Broken Pane."
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As commentators bemoan declining levels of trust in American life, Kevin asks: What can we do about it?
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With American workforce participation at historically low levels, Kevin reflects on the value of work--which extends far beyond economic benefits.
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Join Ismael Hernandez in this three-part series as he explores Critical Theory. He examines the influences on the theory and how it has changed over time.
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Responding to recent advances in school choice, Kevin Schmiesing explains why increasing freedom in education is a promising trend.
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Kevin highlights the views of the American Founders on religion, virtue, and government, finding wisdom that is still relevant: there can be no limited government without self-government.
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Kevin Schmiesing warns against the tendency to neglect our daily duties—where we can have real impact—in favor of trying to "save the world."
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FVI's director of research, Kevin Schmiesing, joins the podcast to offer a brief analysis of the "cancel culture" that is plaguing American society. A virtuous culture is a worthy aim, he says, but let's make sure we are pursuing real virtue rather than hunting for heresies against faddish "woke" doctrines.
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If you haven't realized it yet, our society is now inundated with discussions about Critical Race Theory. A number of institutions debate it and the theory divides people. It is crucial that we understand the antecedents and foundational assumptions informing the theory. Join me in a continuation of this invaluable discussion on Critical Race Theory.
Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
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Critical Race Theorists are activists and revolutionaries. Their views are not merely intellectual curiosity, but like Liberation Theology, a system rooted in praxis--that is, Critical Race Theory affects you and me.
Do we understand what it's really saying to us?
In this episode we'll dissect its antecedents, assumptions, principles, and activities.
Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
What are the philosophical assumptions being embraced in our culture that have contributed to the demise of Western and Christian values? We have been losing the foundations of our civilization through a steady state of complacency amidst a sea of indoctrination by competing visions of society. What are those forces?
What are the factors that provoked what seems as the death of Western civilization? In this episode we conclude our exploration of these factors with great hope.
Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
Many are wrestling with tension and stress as we witness serious events that consume our attention and point to important issues that deserve a hearing. We need to ask tough questions. Have we been losing the foundations of our civilization little by little? What are the factors that provoked what seems a death of Western civilization? Are all the theories purporting to explain the debacle reasonable? In this episode we begin to explore these questions. Welcome to Season Two of Freedom and Virtue, The Podcast, and thanks for joining us!
Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
No other thinker has negatively impacted our society than Karl Marx. But who was this man? We can understand him only in the context of the antecedent historical factors and the influences that affected his thought. If you want to know Marx, don't miss this episode!
Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
We continue with the great history of capitalism. We explore what its essential features and how it offers a sound economic understanding of human action and motivation vis a vis the errors of Marxism.
Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
In today's episode we begin our discussion of capitalism, its distinctive features, and superiority as an economic system.
If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
We conclude our examination of socialism taking a look at "hyphenated socialism." Whether it is democratic, Christian, or else, various systems claim the label of socialist while rejecting Marxism. As that is the case, it is important to draw distinctions.
If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
Socialism is an ancient idea with modern repercussions. We continue our journey throughout its history to understand and challenge it.
If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, so send yours to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
Socialism has become a very popular term among young people. But, do we know what socialism is? Can we articulate a definition? Let's go on a journey throughout time and discover the roots of socialism!
If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, give us a positive review and rating and share it with others. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, just send them to us at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
The foundations of our civilization are being shaken by racial tension. We have seen the riots, protests, and racial incidents. We seem to be engulfed by a destructive effort to bring down the entire social structure.
Within that environment there is an accusation against our nation. Our country is said to be "institutionally racist." What does that mean? What are the antecedents of such a belief? What exactly is that theory all about? Is it true? This episode engages this important and difficult question. Listen now.If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, give us a positive review and rating and share it with others. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Every email is read and responses will be addressed in an upcoming episode, just send them to Ismael@fvinstitute.org.
We appreciate you and thanks for listening!
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)
As our nation remains in tension and violence, we are confronted with a movement called Black Lives Matter. What's it all about? Should we support it? Join it? What is the philosophical and ideological foundation of the movement? These and other important issues related to BLM will be discussed in this episode.
If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, give us a positive review and rating and share it with others. We appreciate you and thank you for listening!
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As our nation finds itself engulfed in violence, protests, and chaos--which at times prevails, we must keep a clear eye on what is truly at stake. Events in Minnesota that brought about the unfortunate death of Mr. George Floyd have triggered a series of events and more important, a number of claims about the nature of our society and how to move forward. This episode tackles important questions as we look at these claims and moving forward. Listen now!
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This episode will help us to understand the second general vision of race in America and how it contrasts with the first. It's this second vision that has taken hold of the ethos of our nation and we must understand its implications.
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Race has become a major social problem. However, do we understand the foundational issues that form the basis for present conflict? In this episode, we examine the first of two premises.
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Foreign aid has become an untouchable truism one dares to question only at the risk of appearing uncaring or unjust. However, if we truly want to see success in the international fight against poverty we must question it. In this episode we explore why foreign aid is not only ineffective but harmful to the ultimate goal of conquering poverty.
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Ismael at https://www.facebook.com/fvinstitute/
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There are "wrong" goals pursued by countries trying to escape poverty and want. These goals are different than the most fundamental goal of increasing production. From the goal of more aid to that of altering the delicate balance of between supply and demand, externalist solutions are proposed. Are these goals reasonable? Are they historically effective? Join me as we explore the various "wrong" goals to end poverty.
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Welcome friends, supporters, and others interested in the ideas of freedom to our first podcast! During this first episode we will be introducing the topic of poverty and wealth in the world. We are all concerned about solving poverty but before we solve this problem it is important to know some basic notions to guide us in the path toward solutions. There are a number of solutions proposed by well-intended people but are they working? Are they showing a path leading to improvement? In our quest to answer these questions we must first know that there are a number of important themes. We are going to explore them today.
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It's here! The brand-new Freedom & Virtue Podcast where we explore a variety of issues concerning the ideas and principles that shape our life together in today's world. Every Monday we will connect to discuss all of what makes humans flourish and communities thrive. The Podcast aspires to contribute to the intellectual life of our nation and equip listeners with the tools needed to explain and advance a society that advances human dignity and respects individual freedom.
Support the show (https://www.fvinstitute.org/donate/)