Them Before Us Podcast: Episode #087 | How Can We Teach College Students to Seek Truth | Featuring Professor Robert P. George

Release Date: August 1, 2025

In Episode #087 of the Them Before Us Podcast, host Jennifer Friesen engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. The discussion centers around Dr. George's book, Seeking Truth and Speaking Truth, Law and Morality in Our Cultural Moment, delving into the erosion of truth-seeking in contemporary education and society, and exploring strategies to cultivate a generation of courageous truth speakers.

Introduction and Book Overview

Jen Friesen opens the episode by introducing Dr. George, highlighting his extensive academic career and his influence on thousands of students. Dr. George provides an overview of his book, emphasizing its role as a response to the prevailing relativistic attitudes among students who equate truth with personal feelings. He underscores the necessity of pursuing objective truth despite human fallibility.

Dr. Robert P. George [01:32]: "There is only the truth. Now, we can be wrong about it. You can be wrong about it, I can be wrong about it, we both can be wrong about it."

From the Age of Reason to the Age of Feeling

A significant portion of the conversation addresses the cultural shift from an "Age of Reason" to an "Age of Feeling." Dr. George traces this transition back to the rise of secularism in the 19th century, exacerbated by the First World War, the sexual revolution, and the normalization of promiscuity and divorce in the mid-20th century. He argues that these changes have led to an emotionalist approach where personal feelings dictate notions of truth and morality.

Dr. Robert P. George [05:04]: "We live in the age of feeling. Because for so many people today... the touchstone of truth... is conformity with one's feelings."

The Importance of Strong Family Structures

Dr. George emphasizes the collapse of the traditional family as a root cause of societal problems, including the rise of emotionalism. He discusses how single-parent households, often characterized by fatherlessness, contribute to the destabilization of children's environments, adversely affecting their development and moral grounding.

Dr. Robert P. George [14:47]: "The greatest cause of our most urgent problems is the collapse of the family."

Triumph of Will Over Nature in Reproductive Technology

The conversation shifts to the ethical implications of reproductive technologies such as IVF and surrogacy. Dr. George critiques the commodification of children, where reproductive advancements are used to fulfill adult desires without considering the rights and dignity of the child. He calls for legal and cultural reforms to protect children from being treated as mere products.

Dr. Robert P. George [17:19]: "We're treating the child as if it's a product of manufacture, as if he or she is an object and not a precious human being."

Empowering Advocacy and Shaping Education

Dr. George outlines his dual audience approach for the book: empowering advocates like Jen and Katie, and directly addressing young people to challenge the illusion that truth is subjective. He stresses the importance of integrating faith and reason as complementary tools in the pursuit of truth.

Dr. Robert P. George [21:15]: "We have to treat it as an enemy. We gotta love our enemies. Of course. Speak truth in love. But we gotta speak truth."

Advice for Parents Raising Morally Clear Children

In response to Jen's query, Dr. George advises parents to actively challenge their children to seek and speak the truth, both through words and by setting personal examples. He highlights the importance of role models in instilling virtues and encourages parents to engage in open, honest dialogues about moral and ethical issues.

Dr. Robert P. George [25:06]: "You have to use words. You have to talk. But even more importantly, you have to set an example."

The Role of Role Models and Personal Inspirations

Dr. George shares insights into how his own courage to speak against dominant opinions was inspired by his professors and mentors. He underscores the influence of exemplary figures in shaping one's commitment to truth and integrity.

Dr. Robert P. George [31:17]: "It's setting an example of being a determined truth seeker and a courageous truth speaker that's even more important."

Further Engagement and Resources

Concluding the episode, Dr. George provides listeners with resources to engage further with his work, including his website, social media handles, and information about the James Madison Program at Princeton. He invites listeners to explore his essays and attend his speaking engagements to deepen their understanding of truth and morality.

Dr. Robert P. George [32:41]: "If you have a kid who's a high school kid or grandchild... buy the book for them... We’ve got to use the resources of faith and reason to get at the truth of things."

Conclusion

The episode closes with Jen expressing gratitude for Dr. George's impactful work and the profound influence he has had on countless students and advocates. The conversation serves as a compelling call to action for educators, parents, and policymakers to prioritize truth-seeking and moral clarity in fostering a just and humane society.

Jen Friesen [34:42]: "Thank you so much for your time on our podcast today."

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Robert P. George [01:32]: "There is only the truth... we can get at or nearer the truth."
• Dr. Robert P. George [05:04]: "We live in the age of feeling."
• Dr. Robert P. George [14:47]: "The greatest cause of our most urgent problems is the collapse of the family."
• Dr. Robert P. George [17:19]: "We're treating the child as if it's a product of manufacture."
• Dr. Robert P. George [25:06]: "You have to use words. You have to talk."
• Dr. Robert P. George [31:17]: "It's setting an example of being a determined truth seeker and a courageous truth speaker."

This episode of Them Before Us offers a deep dive into the challenges facing truth-seeking in modern education and society. Dr. Robert P. George provides insightful analysis and practical advice for fostering a culture that values objective truth, strong family structures, and the dignified treatment of children. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or advocate, this conversation equips you with the tools and inspiration to champion truth and moral clarity in your community.