Madison's Notes

Oct 30 2024 125 ep. 50 mins 147
Madison's Notes Podcast artwork

The official podcast of Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions.

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S4E12 The Wisdom of Our Ancestors

Oct 30 2024 59 mins  
Based on The Wisdom of Our Ancestors: Conservative Humanism and the Western Tradition (University of Notre Dame Press, 2023), this week’s conversation with authors Dr. Grahm McAleer and Dr. Alexander Rosenthal-Pubul focus on the enduring relevance of classical and Enlightenment-era thought for modern political and ethical debates. The book explores into how the traditional wisdom

S4E11 Religion and Republic: A Conversation with Miles Smith

Oct 23 2024 50 mins  
In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with historian Miles Smith, who teaches at Hillsdale College, to discuss his new book, Religion and Republic: Christian American from the Founding to the Civil War (Davenant Press, 2024). In this insightful conversation, we explored the book's themes, which examine the complex relationship between religion and politics in shaping the Ameri

S4E10 The Social Contract in the Ruins: A Conversation with Dr. Paul DeHart

Oct 16 2024 56 mins  
In the latest episode of Madison’s Notes, we sit down with Dr. Paul DeHart, professor of Political Science at Texas State University and author of The Social Contract in the Ruins: Natural Law and Government by Consent (University of Missouri Press, 2024). In this illuminating discussion, Dr. DeHart challenges the prevailing belief that social contract theory and classical natura

S4E9 The Fragility of China: A Conversation with Dennis Unkovic

Oct 09 2024 57 mins  
In this episode of Madison's Notes, we sit down with Dennis Unkovic to discuss his latest book, The Fragility of China (Encounter Books, 2024). Unkovic delves into the complex forces shaping China's political, economic, and social landscape. From the country's rising internal challenges to its evolving role on the global stage, Unkovic offers a nuanced perspective on why China's fu

S4E8 From Tribalism to Common Humanity: A Conversation with Dr. John Ellis

Oct 02 2024 54 mins  
For most of recorded history, neighboring countries, tribes, and peoples everywhere in the world regarded each other with apprehension—if not outright fear and loathing. Tribal or racial attitudes were virtually universal, with no one group being much better or worse in this respect than any other—understandable, given the conditions of life before the modern era. However, over

S4E7 Ethical Machines: A Conversation with Reid Blackman

Sep 25 2024 52 mins  
Join us as we discuss Dr. Reid Blackman’s new book, Ethical Machines: Your Concise Guide to Totally Unbiased, Transparent, and Respectful AI (Harvard Business Review Press, 2022). We delve into the intricacies of developing AI and explore the intersection of ethics and innovation. Reid Blackman, Ph.D., is the author of Ethical Machines, creator and host of the podcast Ethical Mac

S4E6 Celebrating Constitution Day Pt. 2: A Conversation with Julia Mahoney

Sep 18 2024 51 mins  
In this conversation, we explore key issues shaping today’s legal landscape: the complexities of constitutional interpretation, the evolving role and power of the judiciary, and the impact of corruption on governmental systems. We also examine the critical role civic education plays in maintaining a healthy democracy. Julia D. Mahoney is the John S. Battle Professor of Law and th

S4E5 Celebrating Constitution Day Pt. 1: A Conversation with Cass R. Sunstein

Sep 11 2024 49 mins  
Join us for an in-depth exploration of Professor Cass Sunstein's latest work, Campus Free Speech (Harvard University Press, September 2024). Together, we'll examine the book’s intriguing take on free speech in academic spaces and its broader implications for constitutional interpretation. Professor Sunstein also delves into the exercise of administrative power, with timely discus

S4E4 In Defense of Bad Science and the Philosophy of Being

Sep 04 2024 42 mins  
What role does science play in shaping our laws? How do we distinguish between good science and bad science? Where does science meet its limits due to human nature? And how do we separate orthodox belief from true knowledge? These are just some of the thought-provoking questions we'll explore in our upcoming philosophical conversation on science and human existence. Join us as we d

S4E3 The Human Advantage: A Conversation with Jay Richards

Aug 28 2024 53 mins  
In this episode, we explore the insights of Jay Richards, author of The Human Advantage: The Future of American Work in an Age of Smart Machines (Forum, 2019). Richards wrote this book during a time when automation and technology were beginning to redefine the boundaries of human work and creativity. His core argument is that, despite the rise of machines, there are certain uniquel