Jonathan Rauch, Classical Liberalism, and the Constitution of Knowledge

You are in for a treat. In our next Drinking Skeptically we will be discussing classical liberalism. This is NOT the same thing a contemporary political liberalism. The term comes from a time in which opposition to monarchy made you a liberal. Please have a listen to this talk by Johnathan Rauch, who has put some thought into these matters (see below). One of his big ideas is that what has distinguished the modern world from previous ages is independent institutions which guard facts and truth. Like for example, journalism, the law and courts, and science. It is obviously in vogue to criticize all of these. But are these institutions really in crisis, or are bad actors just tired of the accountability they provide? Time to sharpen your Occam's Razor?

Here's the video:

The Political Philosophy that Changed the World

There is also a book, The Constitution of Knowledge.

Come ready do discuss.

Everyone is welcome, even monarchists!