Freedom and Virtue -The Podcast artwork

Freedom and Virtue -The Podcast

34 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 days ago -

The official podcast of The Freedom & Virtue Institute. A place for those interested in ideas and who are committed to the advancement of a society that believes in human dignity and individual freedom. Host, Ismael Hernandez is the founder of the The Freedom and Virtue Institute and author of the book, Not Tragically Colored.

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Episodes

Aristotle on Virtue

March 19, 2024 19:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

Freedom and Virtue Tradition, episode 6: Excerpts from Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics on  virtue in general, and on the virtues of courage, temperance, liberality, and good temper Book 3 of Nicomachean Ethics at Internet Classics Archive Support the show

Adam Smith on the Division of Labor

February 27, 2024 14:00 - 14 minutes - 9.85 MB

In this fifth episode of Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition, Kevin spotlights passages from Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations that describe the nature and benefits of specialization among tasks and workers. Wealth of Nations at Project Gutenberg Support the show

Foundations for Success: Strong Community, Strong Family

February 20, 2024 21:00 - 13 minutes - 9.57 MB

In this inaugural episode of our Free and Virtuous People series, we tell the story of an Ohio entrepreneur who grew up on a Mohawk reservation in New York. The Free and Virtuous People series will tell the stories of “ordinary” people who have flourished and contributed to their communities through the practice of everyday virtues such as courage, perseverance, compassion, thoughtfulness, and generosity. In the face of diverse and sometimes challenging environments or circumstances, they ...

Popes on Power

January 26, 2024 19:00 - 14 minutes - 9.78 MB

In this fourth episode of Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition, Kevin cites passages from three popes—Gelasius I, Boniface VIII, and Leo XIII—on the distinction between the spheres of temporal and spiritual power.   Support the show

Tocqueville on Associations

January 09, 2024 13:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB

In this third episode of Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition, Kevin highlights the reflections on civil society and associations from Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America.  Support the show

Faith, Reason, and Human Dignity

January 02, 2024 18:00 - 7 minutes - 5.48 MB

Marking the anniversary of one of Pope John Paul II's encyclical letters, Kevin reflects on the importance of a proper understanding of human reason. Support the show

Aquinas on Natural Law

December 18, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

In this second episode of Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition, Kevin excerpts passages on the natural law from Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica.  Support the show

Frederic Bastiat's "The Broken Pane"

December 04, 2023 20:00 - 8 minutes - 6.09 MB

Inaugurating a new podcast series—Readings in the Freedom and Virtue Tradition—research director Kevin Schmiesing reads a classic text by the French economist Frederic Bastiat: "The Broken Pane."  Support the show

Rebuilding Trust

September 12, 2023 12:00 - 7 minutes - 5.29 MB

As commentators bemoan declining levels of trust in American life, Kevin asks: What can we do about it? Support the show

We All Need Work

May 03, 2023 13:00 - 8 minutes - 5.94 MB

With American workforce participation at historically low levels, Kevin reflects on the value of work--which extends far beyond economic benefits. Support the show

Critical Theory Part One

March 18, 2023 22:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

Join Ismael Hernandez in this three-part series as he explores Critical Theory. He examines the influences on the theory and how it has changed over time. Support the show

Freedom on the March in America's Schools

February 16, 2023 13:00 - 7 minutes - 5.38 MB

Responding to recent advances in school choice, Kevin Schmiesing explains why increasing freedom in education is a promising trend. Support the show

Self-Control and Self-Government

July 22, 2022 09:00 - 5 minutes - 3.82 MB

Kevin highlights the views of the American Founders on religion, virtue, and government, finding wisdom that is still relevant: there can be no limited government without self-government. Support the show

The Savior Temptation

May 18, 2022 19:00 - 5 minutes - 3.53 MB

Kevin Schmiesing warns against  the tendency to neglect our daily duties—where we can have real impact—in favor of trying to "save the world." Support the show

Affirm or Cancel?

May 16, 2022 19:00 - 6 minutes - 4.78 MB

FVI's director of research, Kevin Schmiesing, joins the podcast to offer a brief analysis of the "cancel culture" that is plaguing American society. A virtuous culture is a worthy aim, he says, but let's make sure we are pursuing real virtue rather than hunting for heresies against faddish "woke" doctrines. Support the show

The Realities of Critical Race Theory - Part 2

March 23, 2021 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

If you haven't realized it yet, our society is now inundated with discussions about Critical Race Theory. A number of institutions debate it and the theory divides people. It is crucial that we understand the antecedents and foundational assumptions informing the theory. Join me in a continuation of this invaluable discussion on Critical Race Theory. Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'...

The Realities of Critical Race Theory and How it Impacts Us

February 04, 2021 21:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

Critical Race Theorists are activists and revolutionaries. Their views are not merely intellectual curiosity, but like Liberation Theology, a system rooted in praxis--that is, Critical Race Theory affects you and me. Do we understand what it's really saying to us? In this episode we'll dissect its antecedents, assumptions, principles, and activities. Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope y...

Our Civilization, Part Two

January 23, 2021 21:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MB

What are the philosophical assumptions being embraced in our culture that have contributed to the demise of Western and Christian values? We have been losing the foundations of our civilization through a steady state of complacency amidst a sea of indoctrination by competing visions of society. What are those forces? What are the factors that provoked what seems as the death of Western civilization? In this episode we conclude our exploration of these factors with great hope. Friends, if ...

Are We Seeing the Death of Our Civilization?

January 14, 2021 00:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MB

Many are wrestling with tension and stress as we witness serious events that consume our attention and point to important issues that deserve a hearing. We need to ask tough questions. Have we been losing the foundations of our civilization little by little? What are the factors that provoked what seems a death of Western civilization? Are all the theories purporting to explain the debacle reasonable? In this episode we begin to explore these questions. Welcome to Season Two of Freedom and V...

Meet Karl Marx: The Man and His Ideas

October 13, 2020 18:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MB

No other thinker has negatively impacted our society than Karl Marx. But who was this man? We can understand him only in the context of the antecedent historical factors and the influences that affected his thought. If you want to know Marx, don't miss this episode! Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to...

What is Capitalism? Part 2

September 10, 2020 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MB

We continue with the great history of capitalism. We explore what its essential features and how it offers a sound economic understanding of human action and motivation vis a vis the errors of Marxism. Friends, if you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him...

What is Capitalism?

August 28, 2020 23:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

In today's episode we begin our discussion of capitalism, its distinctive features, and superiority as an economic system. If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at [email protected]. Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our ...

What Exactly is Socialism - Part Three

August 11, 2020 19:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MB

We conclude our examination of socialism taking a look at "hyphenated socialism." Whether it is democratic, Christian, or else, various systems claim the label of socialist while rejecting Marxism. As that is the case, it is important to draw distinctions. If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to le...

What Exactly is Socialism? Part Two

July 31, 2020 00:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Socialism is an ancient idea with modern repercussions. We continue our journey throughout its history to understand and challenge it. If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, share it with those who follow you! We're thankful for positive reviews and hope you'll leave one and a rating as well. This way others can join the conversation. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at [email protected]. Got a question, comment, or reaction to this o...

What Exactly is Socialism? An Honest Look At Its Roots and Realities

July 13, 2020 23:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

Socialism has become a very popular term among young people. But, do we know what socialism is? Can we articulate a definition? Let's go on a journey throughout time and discover the roots of socialism! If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, give us a positive review and rating and share it with others. Want to invite Ismael to lecture on a topic from the podcast? Contact him at [email protected].  Got a question, comment, or reaction to this or any of our discussions? Ever...

Is America Institutionally Racist?

July 03, 2020 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

The foundations of our civilization are being shaken by racial tension. We have seen the riots, protests, and racial incidents. We seem to be engulfed by a destructive effort to bring down the entire social structure. Within that environment there is an accusation against our nation. Our country is said to be "institutionally racist." What does that mean? What are the antecedents of such a belief? What exactly is that theory all about? Is it true? This episode engages this important and dif...

Black Lives Matter - The Truth Behind the Movement

June 23, 2020 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MB

As our nation remains in tension and violence, we are confronted with a movement called Black Lives Matter. What's it all about? Should we support it? Join it? What is the philosophical and ideological foundation of the movement? These and other important issues related to BLM will be discussed in this episode. If you enjoy this podcast and find it valuable, give us a positive review and rating and share it with others. We appreciate you and thank you for listening! Support the show

Tragedy in Minnesota and Narratives for Change

June 10, 2020 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

As our nation finds itself engulfed in violence, protests, and chaos--which at times prevails, we must keep a clear eye on what is truly at stake. Events in Minnesota that brought about the unfortunate death of Mr. George Floyd have triggered a series of events and more important, a number of claims about the nature of our society and how to move forward. This episode tackles important questions as we look at these claims and moving forward. Listen now! If you find these discussions helpful...

Part Two - What's At the Heart of Our Nation's Ongoing Struggles With Race?

June 04, 2020 10:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MB

This episode will help us to understand the second general vision of race in America and how it contrasts with the first. It's this second vision that has taken hold of the ethos of our nation and we must understand its implications. Support the show

What's at the Heart of Our Nation's Ongoing Struggles with Race?

June 02, 2020 01:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

Race has become a major social problem. However, do we understand the foundational issues that form the basis for present conflict? In this episode, we examine the first of two premises. Support the show

Why Foreign Aid is the Wrong Goal

May 27, 2020 01:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MB

Foreign aid has become an untouchable truism one dares to question only at the risk of appearing uncaring or unjust. However, if we truly want to see success in the international fight against poverty we must question it. In this episode we explore why foreign aid is not only ineffective but harmful to the ultimate goal of conquering poverty. Connect with Ismael! Facebook Page Ismael at https://www.facebook.com/fvinstitute/ Support the show

Part Two - How to Impact Poverty in the World Today

May 18, 2020 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MB

There are "wrong" goals pursued by countries trying to escape poverty and want. These goals are different than the most fundamental goal of increasing production. From the goal of more aid to that of altering the delicate balance of between supply and demand, externalist solutions are proposed. Are these goals reasonable? Are they historically effective? Join me as we explore the various "wrong" goals to end poverty. Support the show

How to Impact Poverty in the World Today

May 05, 2020 20:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

Welcome friends, supporters, and others interested in the ideas of freedom to our first podcast! During this first episode we will be introducing the topic of poverty and wealth in the world. We are all concerned about solving poverty but before we solve this problem it is important to know some basic notions to guide us in the path toward solutions. There are a number of solutions proposed by well-intended people but are they working? Are they showing a path leading to improvement? In our q...

Freedom & Virtue Podcast Trailer

April 27, 2020 01:00 - 2 minutes - 1.56 MB

It's here! The brand-new Freedom & Virtue Podcast where we explore a variety of issues concerning the ideas and principles that shape our life together in today's world. Every Monday we will connect to discuss all of what makes humans flourish and communities thrive. The Podcast aspires to contribute to the intellectual life of our nation and equip listeners with the tools needed to explain and advance a society that advances human dignity and respects individual freedom.  Support the show