Podcast
Chasing Leviathan
Hosted by CG Productions · EN
Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.
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Episodes
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Vico's New Science of the Intersubjective World | Dr. Vittorio Hösle
May 1900:57:55Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a society's pursuit of pure rationality and radical individualism actually threatens to dissolve the trust that holds it together? Notre Dame University's Paul G. Kimball Professor of Arts and Letters, Dr. Vittorio Hösle, joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the overlooked genius of Giambattista Vico and the hidden dangers of modern rationalism. Dr. Hösle explores the philosophical foundations of the human sciences through his book Vico's New Science of the Intersubjective World. They examine why projecting modern thought onto ancient history fundamentally distorts our understanding of the past, and how recognizing the cyclical nature of civilizations can warn us against our own potential decay. In this conversation they explore: How Vico established a rigorous "new science" focused on the common nature of nations, effectively laying the groundwork for modern sociology and the human sciences. The profound realization that archaic humans experienced the world through sensual metaphors and mythic wisdom rather than abstract concepts or romantic love. The crucial discovery of the fallacy of anachronism—and why erudite scholars constantly make the mistake of projecting their own modern mindset onto the past. Why pure rationality and universal rational egoism, termed the "barbarism of reflection," can dissolve societal trust and lead to civilizational collapse. The sobering reality that historical progress is not guaranteed, and that the collapse of high civilization remains a persistent threat even today. Vico's method of conceptually understanding archaic societies by comparing epochs, even when directly empathizing with their foreign mindset is impossible. This is a conversation for anyone interested in philosophy, sociology, and history who wants to understand the foundational forces that shape human societies and the historical blind spots of the modern age. Make sure to check out Dr. Hösle's book: Vico's New Science of the Intersubjective World 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0268100284 Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Timestamps 0:00 - Introducing Dr. Vittorio Hösle 0:38 - Why Write an Introduction to Vico's New Science? 6:20 - Gadamer’s Selective Reception of Vico 8:50 - What is The New Science? (Vico’s Sociological Project) 16:50 - What Did "Science" Actually Mean in Vico's Time? 23:25 - Vico vs. Wilhelm Dilthey: Grounding the Human Sciences 25:50 - Vico's Core Discovery: The Archaic Mindset 32:50 - The Three Stages of Culture (Gods, Heroes, and Men) 36:35 - Modern Relevance & The Danger of Civilizational Collapse 42:25 - The Function of Poetic and Mythic Wisdom 46:00 - The "Barbarism of Reflection" & Radical Individualism 47:50 - Vico’s Major Contributions to Modern Historiography 52:20 - The Fallacy of Anachronism 55:40 - Closing Thoughts
Transcribe →Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice | Dr. Alex Fogleman
May 1200:43:07Tap to summarizeWhat happens when secular culture does a better job of shaping our desires and beliefs than the church?Trinity Anglican Seminary theology professor Dr. Alex Fogelman joins host PJ Wehry to discuss the decline of discipleship and how modern culture invisibly catechizes us.Dr. Fogelman explores the historical roots of foundational instruction and his book Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice. They examine why pragmatic approaches to church growth fail and how a comprehensive introduction to the faith can deeply root believers against the shifting winds of the modern age.In this conversation they explore:Why the "learning of faith" is essential, even though faith is a divine gift, to help form a new humanity. How the endless scroll of social media, pop culture, and shopping malls act as powerful forms of "cultural catechesis" that shape our vision of the good life. The flaws of imitating cultural forms, like "Christian Pokémon" or "Christian AI," and why simply swapping out the content ignores how the medium shapes the message. How the "TikTok age" exacerbates a sense of ephemeral rootlessness that prevents true human flourishing. The danger of church pragmatism and why sustainable ministry must integrate theology, history, and practice together. Practical strategies for making catechesis the "front porch" of the church, where the faith is passed on person-to-person rather than through an automated screen.This is a conversation for anyone interested in theology, cultural analysis, and discipleship who wants to understand the hidden liturgies shaping our minds and how to build a more grounded faith.Make sure to check out Dr. Fogleman's book: Making Disciples: Catechesis in History, Theology, and Practice 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802883850#Check out our website at chasingleviathan.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop.Timestamps0:00 - Episode Introducing Dr. Alex Fogleman0:19 - Defining "Catechesis"4:57 - The Decline of Discipleship and the Influence of J.I. Packer11:16 - "Cultural Catechesis" vs. Christian Instruction15:34 - Real-World Examples of Cultural Catechesis20:44 - Competing Rites of Passage23:38 - Understanding the "Learning of Faith"30:57 - Why History, Theology, and Practice Must Go Together35:51 - Moving Past Pragmatism41:17 - Building a Catechetical "Front Porch"
Transcribe →Secrets of The Laundry Files: Genre Mixing with Cosmic Horror featuring Charles Stross
May 9, 2023Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Chasing Leviathan, PJ and Hugo Award-winning author Charles Stross discuss the process of blending various literary genres and current events with Lovecraftian horror. Stross reflects the stranger-than-fiction historical events that have inspired his stories, writing for the same characters in various stages of life, and why fiction is an integral part of our lives.For a deep dive into Charles Stross' work, check out his upcoming book: Season of Skulls: A Novel in the World of the Laundry Files 👉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9KWWHPV/Check out our blog on www.candidgoatproductions.com Who thinks that they can subdue Leviathan? Strength resides in its neck; dismay goes before it. When it rises up, the mighty are terrified. Nothing on earth is its equal. It is without fear. It looks down on all who are haughty; it is king over all who are proud. These words inspired PJ Wehry to create Chasing Leviathan. Chasing Leviathan was born out of two ideals: that truth is worth pursuing but will never be subjugated, and the discipline of listening is one of the most important habits anyone can develop. Every episode is a dialogue, a journey into the depths of a meaningful question explored through the lens of personal experience or professional expertise.
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