The political philosophy of most Americans is characterized by the belief that politics is the coordination and harmonization of our individual pursuits of autonomy and happiness (whatever happiness means). In today's episode, Brett presents the ancient greek political theory of Aristotle as a challenge to our understanding of politics. Particularly, Brett claims that the language of virtues that is ritually deployed in our political discourse is completely out of place and unjustifiable given our views of autonomy and happiness. To speak of courage, compassion, temperance and justice requires a politics of constraints. These constraints are put in place by particular times and places; by the particular stories that form the common goals and purposes of our social life. This is "The Politics" by Aristotle.

Burt's Books Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/15X0LWXA5T9O2?&sort=default

David Foster Wallace Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGLzWdT7vGc&t=1193s&ab_channel=ManufacturingIntellect

"Aristotle for Everybody" by Mortimer Adler https://www.amazon.com/Aristotle-Everybody-Difficult-Thought-Made/dp/0684838230/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=aristotle+for+everybody&qid=1600543706&sr=8-1