In this enlightening episode of Liberty and Learning, Mark Levin engages in a profound discussion with Dr. Larry Arnn, President of Hillsdale College, engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the Declaration of Independence and its lasting impact on American society. As the nation recently celebrated Independence Day, the conversation serves as a timely reminder of the principles that founded the United States.The episode begins with a reflection on the brilliance of the Declaration, described by Dr. Arnn as a "philosophic, political, theological masterpiece." He highlights the intellectual influences that shaped Thomas Jefferson's writing, noting that Jefferson drew from the ideas of great thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and John Locke. This rich philosophical background laid the groundwork for a document that would not only declare independence but also articulate the values of liberty and equality that define America. One of the key themes discussed is the evolution of religious freedom in America. Dr. Arnn explains how early settlers sought religious conformity, yet over time, they recognized the necessity of allowing diverse beliefs to flourish. This journey towards understanding the importance of religious freedom is a testament to the evolving nature of American society.As the conversation shifts to the Civil War, Levin and Arnn examine Abraham Lincoln's reliance on the Declaration of Independence to frame the moral argument against slavery. Lincoln's ability to connect the principles of the Declaration to the struggle for freedom and equality underscores the document's enduring relevance. Dr. Arnn emphasizes that Lincoln viewed the Declaration as the foundation of American identity, a perspective that resonates deeply in contemporary discussions about liberty and justice. The episode also addresses the challenges posed by modern progressivism. Levin and Arnn critique how some contemporary interpretations of the Declaration seek to distort its original meaning, arguing for a return to the foundational principles that have guided the nation. They discuss the dangers of viewing the Declaration as merely a historical artifact rather than a living document that continues to inspire and challenge Americans today.Listeners will come away from this episode with a deeper appreciation for the Declaration of Independence, not just as a historical document, but as a vital part of the American ethos. The insights shared by Levin and Arnn encourage us to reflect on our nation's founding principles and consider how they apply to the challenges we face in the present day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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31:48
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31:48
How Trump Survived and Won America's Heartland
Guests: Salena Zito & Christopher Matsos Host Scot Bertram talks with Salena Zito, political reporter for the Washington Examiner, about the political ramifications of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump and her new book, Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland. And Christopher Matsos, chairman and associate professor of theatre at Hillsdale College, tells us why theatre should play a role in a liberal arts education and what we can learn by studying theatre through the centuries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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49:31
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49:31
Why Grammar Instruction Matters in Elementary School
Penny Jenson, dean of lower school at Cincinnati Classical Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, delivers a lecture on the importance of grammatical instruction during a student's elementary years. This lecture was given at the Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence seminar, “The Art of Teaching: Reading and Writing” in March 2025. The Hoogland Center for Teacher Excellence, an outreach of the Hillsdale College K-12 Education Office, offers educators the opportunity to deepen their content knowledge and refine their skills in the classroom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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41:18
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41:18
The Federalist: The Problem of Majority Faction
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the inevitability of factions before introducing Dr. Ronald J. Pestritto. In a republic, every citizen has a duty to understand their government. The Federalist is the greatest exposition of representative government and the institutional structure of the Constitution. It explains how the Constitution established a government strong enough to secure the rights of citizens and safe enough to wield that power. This course will examine how Publius understood human nature and good government, and why he argued that the only true safeguard of liberty lies in the vigilance of the American people. A faction is any group that pursues an interest opposed to the rights of citizens or the interest of the community. The causes of faction are sown into man’s nature. The extended republic and representation help prevent majority factions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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32:02
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32:02
Independence Day Special: Thomas Jefferson and the Founding
Guests: Matthew Spalding & Robert R. Riley We revisit two previously aired interviews for this special Independence Day episode. Host Scot Bertram talks with Matthew Spalding, vice president of Washington Operations and dean of the Van Andel Graduate School of Government at Hillsdale in D.C., about Thomas Jefferson's influence on the Declaration of Independence. And Robert R. Reilly, director of the Westminster Institute, gives a defense of the intellectual foundations of the American Founding as laid out in his book America on Trial: A Defense of the Founding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Österreich