Published May 11, 2009

Alan Wolfe on Liberalism

Alan Wolfe delves into the complexities of liberalism, contrasting it with libertarianism while addressing the balance between equality and autonomy. He further critiques the potential pitfalls of scientism and the misapplication of scientific authority in liberal policies, offering insights into the enduring relevance and optimistic nature of liberalism today.

Episode Highlights

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Episode Highlights

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Alan Wolfe on Liberalism

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Evolutionary Psychology Debate

Hopeful Human Nature

Religion and Economics

Autonomy and Equality

Rationality vs. Scientism

Science and Autonomy

Embracing Openness

Liberalism vs. Libertarianism

Rethinking Autonomy

Power and Autonomy

Liberty and Power

Equality and Autonomy

Rousseau and Liberalism

Market Control Debate

Liberal Perspectives

Episode Highlights

Liberalism vs. Libertarianism

Science and Rationality

Future of Liberalism

Related Episodes

Peter Berkowitz on Locke, Liberty, and Liberalism

Michael Lind on Libertarianism

Richard Epstein on Classical Liberalism, Libertarianism, and Lochner

Walter Williams on Life, Liberty and Economics

Patrick Deneen on Why Liberalism Failed

Richard Reinsch on the Enlightenment, Tradition, and Populism

Anthony Gill on Religion

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

George Will on the Conservative Sensibility

Tyler Cowen on Liberty, Art, Food and Everything Else in Between

Bruce Caldwell on Hayek

Anne Applebaum on the Twilight of Democracy

Don Boudreaux on Reading Hayek

Nicholas Wapshott on Samuelson and Friedman

Richard Epstein on the Constitution

Alan Wolfe on Liberalism

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Liberalism vs. LibertarianismAlan Wolfe examines the interplay between equality and autonomy in liberalism, arguing that true autonomy necessitates a degree of equality. He also critiques the invisible nature of market forces, advocating for transparency and empowerment to achieve genuine autonomy.

Liberalism vs. Libertarianism

Science and RationalityAlan Wolfe examines the tension between rationality and scientism, emphasizing the dangers of the latter in undermining liberal values. He also discusses the misuse of scientific authority, highlighting the risks of paternalism in modern liberal policies.

Science and Rationality

Future of LiberalismAlan Wolfe, a political science professor, explores the essence of liberalism, emphasizing its openness and optimism. He discusses its foundational principles and contrasts it with other ideologies, highlighting its historical roots and relevance today.

Future of Liberalism

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