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Audiobooks Narrated by Craig Deitschman
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First published in 1776, this work is the classic statement of economic liberalism or the policy of laissez-faire. Several fundamental principles or "axioms" were introduced in this work, including the division of labor, supply-and-demand, and free market capitalism as some of the most obvious. Smith's political economy is primarily individualistic: self-interest is the incentive for economic action. However, he shows that universal pursuit of self-interest contributes to the public interest, a concept probably best encapsulated by John F. Kennedy when he remarked, "a rising tide raises all boats."
“Edwards enunciates with unusual clarity, which helps with a book published in 1776.” —Talking Book Review
First published in 1776, this work is the classic statement of economic liberalism or the policy of laissez-faire. Several fundamental principles or "axioms" were introduced in this work, including the division of labor, supply-and-demand, and free market capitalism as some of the most obvious. Smith's political economy is primarily individualistic: self-interest is the incentive for economic action. However, he shows that universal pursuit of self-interest contributes to the public interest, a concept probably best encapsulated by John F. Kennedy when he remarked, "a rising tide raises all boats."
“Edwards enunciates with unusual clarity, which helps with a book published in 1776.” —Talking Book Review
In his Communist Manifesto, Karl Marx argued that history flows inevitably toward a social revolution, which will result in a society without economic classes. Rousseau’s Social Contract fanned the flames of the French Revolution with his controversial explanation of social authority as an implied contract between people and government.
This presentation discusses the life of John Locke, the evolution of his ideas, and the political conflicts in 17th Century England which led to the writing of Two Treatises of Government. The famous Second Treatise - which contains Locke’s central ideas on rights, government, and revolution-is examined in detail. Special attention is given to Locke’s theory of private property, which has influenced law and government for over two centuries.
The Prince - Machiavelli wrote The Prince for his ruler as a guide for gaining and keeping power. Central themes of his essay are the relation between politics and ethics; what the best form of government consists of; the importance of the Church; and the growth of Italy as a nation-state. The word "Machiavellian" often suggests sinister motives, but some scholars question this traditional interpretation. Discourse on Voluntary Servitude - Boetie, an unfamiliar figure in modern times, lived in 16th Century France during the birth of the nation-state, the rise of absolute monarchy, and intense religious and civil wars. He examines the psychology of political obedience; the structure and specific mechanisms of state authority; the motives of those who obey and those who command; and the phenomenon of obedience in the absence of force.
Reflections on the Revolution in France is a slashing attack on the French Revolution by one of Britain's most famous statesmen. Liberty and social order, Burke argues, are maintained by the traditional rights and duties embedded in custom and law. And when these traditions are overthrown in revolutions, society is threatened with chaos, bloodshed and despotism. Rights of Man - Thomas Paine believed the French Revolution was based on the same principles as the American Revolution: natural rights, an implied "social contract", and the right of revolution against oppressive governments. Paine, unlike Burke, sees government as the primary threat to social order. He has little regard for traditional institutions, if those institutions are oppressive and unjust.
On Liberty - John Stuart Mill advocated individual liberty based on a philosophical concept called utilitarianism, or "the greatest happiness for the greater number." This intellectual tradition rejects natural rights, such as those in Jefferson's Declaration of Independence. Despite beginning with a different theoretical foundation than natural rights proponents, Mill reaches a similar conclusion-that diversity in individual thought and action ultimately benefits society. Vindication of the Rights of Woman examines the tumultuous life of Mary Wollstonecraft and the social conditions against which she struggled. It explores her call for female independence against the backdrop of 18th Century England, the French Revolution, and the changing role of women. Mary Wollstonecraftt lived the life she advocated, defying accepted customs for female employment, marriage, and family life.
This presentation explores the social and political turmoil during which Leviathan was written, including an examination of the radical political philosophies spawned by opposition to the Stuart monarchy in England. It explains the materialistic foundation of Hobbes' philosophy and how this influenced his theory of man, society, and government. Special attention is paid to Hobbes' theory of the "state of nature", the social contract, and the governmental sovereignty. The right of resistance against unjust laws and the right to liberty of conscience also are discussed.
In 1831, the French nobleman, Alexis de Tocqueville, journeyed to America to examine a new political force: democracy. Although alarmed by "the tyranny of the majority", Tocqueville believed that democracy was destined to supplant the decaying aristocracy of France. Tocqueville asked: Is the tendency toward equality a tendency toward liberty? Can the majority be restrained to protect the freedom of individuals and minorities? In pondering these questions, Tocqueville presented an unsurpassed picture of American government, culture and attitudes. He proclaimed a new nation with a new theory of human interaction: America, ruled by the will of the majority. But what sort of human being would this society produce? And could democratic man prosper in Europe?
