#8: John von Heyking - Exploring Conservatism and Community

Concepts with Shawn Whatley

In this episode, I welcome Dr. John von Heyking, Chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, to discuss the meaning of conservatism in Canadian politics. The conversation delves into the 2013 Alberta floods as an example of community response, the evolving nature of conservative movements over recent decades, differing ideologies within conservatism, and the importance of community and individual rights. We also cover philosophical perspectives from thinkers like David Walsh and Eric Vogelin, the dynamics between individual and collective values, and the current political landscape in Canada.

00:00 2013 Alberta Floods: Community Response

01:04 Introducing Dr. John von Heyking

01:58 Defining Conservatism in Canadian Politics

04:43 The Role of Community in Conservatism

09:06 Friendship vs. Community

10:40 The Concept of Individual Rights

20:02 The Common Good and Its Implications

25:16 Critiques of Liberalism and Conservatism

28:44 French Enlightenment and Its Influence

29:46 Locke, Hobbes, and Modern Liberalism

31:04 Hume's Radical Philosophy

31:50 Classical vs. Modern Political Philosophy

33:17 Virtue and the Liberal State

37:54 Religious Wars and Tolerance

42:59 Canadian Identity and Civic Responsibility

52:03 Philosophical Anthropology and Ideologies

01:00:16 Current Canadian Political Issues

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