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John Locke (1632–1704), a key figure of the Enlightenment, is known for his contributions to philosophy, politics, and epistemology.

His Essay Concerning Human Understanding introduces the concept of the tabula rasa, arguing that the mind begins as a blank slate, acquiring knowledge solely through experience. This empiricist view challenged traditional notions of innate ideas, such as Plato’s Forms or the Christian doctrine of original sin.

A Letter Concerning Toleration further advocated the separation of church and state, promoting religious freedom as essential to individual and societal well-being.

Locke’s political philosophy, most notably in Two Treatises of Government, laid the foundation for modern liberal democracy. He emphasized natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and argued that governments derive legitimacy from the consent of the governed, not divine authority. This is the text from which the chapter we will be looking at today originates.

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) emerged from a modest and often unsuccessful early life to become one of the most influential voices of revolutionary and liberal thought. His fiery pamphlet Common Sense rallied support for the American Revolution, even being read aloud to troops during their fight against British rule. Paine’s subsequent work, The Rights of Man, inspired generations of liberals by denouncing monarchy as a “fraud and imposition” and advocating for radical reform. Rejecting tradition for its own sake, Paine criticized gradual reformists as condescending elites who “pity the plumage, but forget the dying bird,” emphasizing the need for transformative change to address systemic inequalities.

Paine’s writings resonated with the working class, urging them to claim their rights rather than petition for them. For him, reason was the cornerstone of society, and tradition without justification was mere ignorance. His radical ideas foreshadowed the slow evolution of the liberal social contract, culminating in the gradual expansion of suffrage through reforms in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Though incremental change followed his era, Paine’s commitment to reason over ritual and ideals over ignorance set the stage for modern democratic thought.

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Join us as we delve into the life and legacy of John Stuart Mill (1806–1873), one of the most influential thinkers of the 19th century. This seminar explores how Mill's intellectual development was shaped by the close-knit network of families, mentors, and philosophical allies surrounding him. Raised under the rigorous tutelage of his father, James Mill—a key figure in the utilitarian movement—Mill was groomed to advance the utilitarian ideals of reason, reform, and social progress.

We’ll examine Mill’s contributions to ethics, liberal political theory, and statecraft, alongside his engagement with the pressing issues of his time, including colonialism. Our discussion also sheds light on the personal struggles Mill faced, from a nervous breakdown at the age of 20 to his eventual recovery through the romantic poetry of William Wordsworth, which provided a much-needed balance to his rationalistic upbringing.

Through this lens, we’ll uncover how Mill’s ideas were not just products of solitary genius but deeply influenced by the intellectual and cultural currents of his era. Join us to explore the tensions and harmonies between rationalism and emotion in Mill’s life and thought, and what his legacy means for us today.

#JohnStuartMill #Utilitarianism #PhilosophySeminar #IntellectualHistory #PoliticalTheory #JeremyBentham #Ethics #Liberalism #Romanticism #PhilosophyCommunity

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In this new episode of Beyond the Text, we're introducing an exciting format going forward! Join Samuel Woodall (PhD Candidate in Intellectual History) and Jack Thomson (MA in Philosophy), both from the University of Buckingham, as they team up to explore Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract.

Together, they delve into the revolutionary ideas of the General Will, the principles of civic religion, and Rousseau's vision of a political community. This engaging discussion blends historical insight with philosophical depth, offering fresh perspectives on one of the most influential texts in intellectual history.

Don't miss this dynamic co-hosted conversation—perfect for history buffs, philosophy lovers, and anyone curious about the origins of modern political thought!

As cohosts of the History of Ideas Club, which meets every other Thursday in Central London, Samuel and Jack bring their collaborative energy to the podcast. This cohosted format will define Beyond the Text's future episodes, so if you enjoy please subscribe and stay tuned.

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John Locke (1632–1704), a key figure of the Enlightenment, is known for his contributions to philosophy, politics, and epistemology.

His Essay Concerning Human Understanding introduces the concept of the tabula rasa, arguing that the mind begins as a blank slate, acquiring knowledge solely through experience. This empiricist view challenged traditional notions of innate ideas, such as Plato’s Forms or the Christian doctrine of original sin.

A Letter Concerning Toleration further advocated the separation of church and state, promoting religious freedom as essential to individual and societal well-being.

Locke’s political philosophy, most notably in Two Treatises of Government, laid the foundation for modern liberal democracy. He emphasized natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and argued that governments derive legitimacy from the consent of the governed, not divine authority. This is the text from which the chapter we will be looking at today originates.

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This week's discussion will focus on Book 4 of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's The Social Contract. In this section, Rousseau delves into the complexities of the general will, the role of the sovereign, and the delicate balance between individual freedom and collective authority within the state. We'll explore Rousseau's arguments on the necessity of civil religion, the challenges posed by factions, and his provocative assertion that individuals may need to be "forced to be free." Our discussion will also consider Rousseau's thoughts on education, democracy, and the potential tensions between the majority's will and the rights of the minority.

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What if the intellectual debates of 19th-century Edinburgh held the secrets to modern evolutionary science? Join us on Beyond the Text as we uncover the fascinating world of the Plinian Society, where influential minds like Robert Jameson and Robert Edmund Grant engaged in fiery discussions about Lamarckian theory amidst a thriving scientific and literary culture. Discover how the Enlightenment ideals of the time fueled groundbreaking ideas, with contributions from Abraham Gottlob Werner's Neptunism and James Hutton's uniformitarianism challenging the status quo of Earth's geological history.

Get a front-row seat to Edinburgh's experimental forays into simulating environmental mutations in chickens, foreshadowing Darwin's theories of natural selection. Explore the intricate web of societal and religious tensions, particularly the Church of Scotland's evangelical opposition to evolutionary science, that created an atmosphere of intense debate and innovation. We'll also delve into the pivotal roles of Lord Morton in selective breeding and Robert Knox in comparative anatomy, and how their rivalries and controversies paved the way for future scientific breakthroughs, ultimately influencing the contentious origins of eugenics.

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This episode is from an interview with the society I founded in 2021, Progressive Britain.

In this episode, we are honoured to welcome the Director of Unlock Democracy, and former Liberal Democrat Chief Whip, Tom Brake. 🚀 His think tank is advocating for constitutional reform to engage citizens and close the participation gap nationwide. 🇬🇧

Tom Brake, with his extensive experience as the Liberal Democrat spokesman for Environment, Transport, and Regions, Deputy Leader of the House under the coalition, and his work in the Treasury, brings wit and political insight to our lively discussion. 🔍💡

Join us for a fascinating conversation as Samuel Woodall, President of Progressive Britain, hosts this engaging episode—sans tie, per Tom Brake's chamber style! 🤵‍♂️❌👔

We hope you enjoy the discussion as much as we did!

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Welcome to "Beyond the Text," the podcast that delves into the intersection of science, history, and society. Join your host, Samuel Woodall, as we explore the fascinating world of science during the age of revolutions, just after the Enlightenment.

In this week's episode, we embark on an intellectual journey through the Linnaean Society, an organization pivotal to the classification and study of plants and animals. Under the guidance of Dr. Bill Jenkins, we uncover how this society became a melting pot for scientific minds like Charles Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace, and David Attenborough, laying the groundwork for modern science.

We then dive deep into the life and times of Charles Darwin, examining his groundbreaking work, "On the Origin of Species," and its careful navigation of the ideological influences of his time. We'll explore the complex question of whether Darwin epitomised modern science, his impact on industrial capitalism, and his nuanced role in the science-religion debate.

Our journey also touches on the intellectual and political influences that shaped Darwin's thought, including the critical influence of Thomas Malthus. We discuss how Victorian societal changes mirrored Darwin's theories and how his ideas resonated with both the emerging middle class and the founders of Marxism.

As we unravel the spiritual complexities of Darwin and the profound impact of his theories, we reveal the intricate interplay between science, history, and the broader modern project.

Join us on "Beyond the Text" for a compelling exploration that goes beyond the surface, guided by expert insights from Dr. Bill Jenkins. Don't miss this deep dive into the stories that shaped our scientific understanding and societal evolution.

Tune in and journey with us beyond the text.