Published Nov 4, 2013

John Ralston Saul on Reason, Elites, and Voltaire's Bastards

John Ralston Saul explores the dualities of human nature, the transformation of universities, and critiques modern society’s overreliance on reason. Challenging the power structures and dominance of rationality, he draws on Voltaire to argue for a more balanced, interdisciplinary approach to address society’s complexities and foster creativity.

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Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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John Ralston Saul on Reason, Elites, and Voltaire's Bastards

Topics covered

Popular Clips

The Ethics of Banking

Human Nature's Dualities

Rethinking Universities

Voltaire's Bastards

The Power of Rationality

The Urge to Submit

The Complexity of Saving Banks

The Unconscious Civilization

Rethinking Economics

The Future of Information

The Humanities and Mathematics

Deregulation and Subsidies

Unintended Consequences

Empathy and the Public Good

Episode Highlights

Human Nature

Education and Humanities

Role of Reason

Related Episodes

Alan Wolfe on Liberalism

Nicholas Wapshott on Samuelson and Friedman

Vernon Smith on Rationality in Economics

David Schmidtz on Rawls, Nozick, and Justice

Bryan Caplan on Hayek, Richter, and Socialism

Anthony Gill on Religion

Walter Williams on Life, Liberty and Economics

Peter Berkowitz on Locke, Liberty, and Liberalism

Roosevelt Montás on Rescuing Socrates

Thomas Sowell on Economic Facts and Fallacies

Martha Nussbaum on Alexander Hamilton

Bryan Caplan on the Myth of the Rational Voter

Pano Kanelos on Education and UATX

Don Boudreaux on Reading Hayek

David Boaz, P.J. O'Rourke, and George Will on the State of Liberty

John Ralston Saul on Reason, Elites, and Voltaire's Bastards

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Human NatureJohn Ralston Saul examines the dualities within human nature and critiques society's reliance on heroes. He argues that these tendencies, often manipulated by power structures, can lead to both constructive and destructive outcomes.

Human Nature

Education and HumanitiesJohn Ralston Saul critiques the transformation of universities and the shifting balance between humanities and sciences. He argues that these changes have hindered interdisciplinary thinking and stifled creativity, impacting society's ability to address complex issues.

Education and Humanities

Role of ReasonJohn Ralston Saul critiques the overemphasis on reason in modern society, tracing its roots back to Voltaire's ideas. He argues that this focus has led to societal imbalances, privileging rationality over other essential human qualities.

Role of Reason

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