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What happens when we stop asking children to do hard things, develop strong habits, and take responsibility for their choices? In this episode of Socrates Dialogues with Mary Harrington, she joins Katharine Birbalsingh, often called the “strictest headmistress in the United Kingdom,” for a conversation about education, virtue, discipline, and what it means to live a meaningful life. From the negative influence of Rousseau on modern education to the distinction between big-C Conservatism and small-c conservatism, Katherine challenges the assumptions behind much of contemporary thinking about children, morality, and human nature. And what might this have to do with Christianity? Have we made Jesus too “nice,” forgetting His call to virtue, accountability, sacrifice, and transformation? Throughout the conversation, they explore the seemingly ordinary, and perhaps even ‘boring’, virtues that form a good life, why they matter, and why we may need to start teaching them to our children. The post Katharine Birbalsingh and Mary Harrington: We’ve Made Jesus Too Nice first appeared on Socrates in the City.

In this episode of Socrates in the Studio, host Eric Metaxas is joined by philosopher and author Carrie Gress to discuss her book Something Wicked: Why Feminism Can’t Be Fused with Christianity and to explore the complicated history and ideological roots of the feminist movement. From Mary Wollstonecraft and the French Revolution to Betty Friedan and the modern iterations of feminism, Gress traces the movement’s evolution and examines its often-overlooked relationship with Christianity, revolution, and the occult. What happens when feminism’s understanding of human flourishing is built upon a distorted view of Christian teaching? Was the movement, at its origins, fueled by envy, resentment, or contempt—and what role did occult ideas play in shaping its development? Throughout this conversation, we are invited to reconsider the history of feminism and ask whether its fundamental assumptions can truly be reconciled with the Christian vision of human nature, freedom, and flourishing. The post Eric Metaxas and Carrie Gress: Why Feminism is More Deadly Than Communism first appeared on Socrates in the City.

In this episode of Socrates in Oxford, host Eric Metaxas is joined once again by John Lennox, as he reflects on his remarkable journey of faith, scholarship, and intellectual discovery in his new autobiography, My Story: A Spiritual and Intellectual Autobiography, revealing stories and experiences never before told. From his conversion to Christianity and his friendship with C.S. Lewis, to teaching the Bible behind the Iron Curtain and witnessing the Lord’s miraculous protection and provision, Lennox traces the moments that shaped both his faith and his calling. Throughout the conversation, he explores the academic disciplines that have defined his work—including science, history, philosophy, and theology—and considers how questions of faith and reason intersect in the search for truth. Above all, Lennox offers an encouraging reminder that sharing our faith is not reserved for professional apologists or academics, but is something that can be woven naturally into every part of our lives. The post Eric Metaxas and John Lennox: Preaching the Gospel Behind the Iron Curtain first appeared on Socrates in the City.

In this episode of Socrates Dialogues with Mary Harrington, she is joined by Miriam Cates, former Conservative MP and now broadcaster with GB News, who reflects on her journey into politics during the turbulent years of Brexit and Covid, the pressures that reshaped Westminster, and the challenges of being a Christian seeking truth in public life.  Throughout this conversation, the two explore women’s rights, the controversy surrounding women’s spaces, and the rapidly changing understanding of family and parenthood—from surrogacy and reproductive technology to the growing number of children born into unconventional family structures. At the heart of the conversation is a deeper question: what happens when questions about children and family are framed primarily around the rights and desires of adults, rather than the needs and dignity of the child? The post Miriam Cates and Mary Harrington: Can the Birth Rate Crisis Be Fixed? first appeared on Socrates in the City.

What is the difference between Darwinism and Neo-Darwinism? What was the great mistake Erwin Schrödinger made nearly 80 years ago? In this episode of Socrates in Oxford, host Eric Metaxas is joined by Denis Noble, the brilliant physiologist and biologist, as he challenges one of the most deeply rooted assumptions in modern science: that everything can ultimately be reduced to its smallest parts. From the rise of reductionism in biology and mathematics to the influential “selfish gene” theory, Noble examines how a particular scientific framework has come to shape our understanding of life itself.  Drawing on his own experience debating Richard Dawkins—and even serving on the committee for Dawkins’s PhD thesis—Noble offers a fascinating insider’s perspective on one of the most significant debates in modern evolutionary biology. This conversation asks, what happens when scientists refuse to follow the evidence wherever it may lead, even if that evidence raises questions about God? Noble argues that science is never merely scientific; it is deeply philosophical, shaped by the assumptions we bring to our understanding of reality. At the heart of his argument and this conversation is an invitation for scientific humility: the courage to recognize the limits of what we know and to remain open to where the evidence might ultimately lead. The post Eric Metaxas and Denis Noble: Why We Have Been Misled About Biology for 80 Years first appeared on Socrates in the City.

What could “Little House on the Prairie” reveal about the early roots of the feminist movement? In this episode of Socrates Dialogues, Mary Harrington is joined by Erica Bachiochi, author of “The Rights of Women,” professor, and legal scholar, who explores the often-overlooked history of women’s rights before the familiar story of the suffragettes—and challenges the modern assumption that feminism and abortion have always been inseparable. From the surprising emergence of the suffrage movement as a “home protection ballot” to the competing visions of freedom held by early feminist thinkers like Mary Wollstonecraft, Bachiochi examines how ideas about law, liberty, and the dignity of women have evolved. Throughout the conversation, they explore the power of virtue and the freedom found in embracing them by asking the question: should our understanding of rights be grounded in individual autonomy alone, or in the tradition of natural law and the belief that human reason ultimately participates in a divine order? The post Erika Bachiochi and Mary Harrington: Can You Be a Pro-Life Feminist? first appeared on Socrates in the City.

Was America’s success driven not only by generals and statesmen, but by a physician whose moral vision helped shape the nation’s soul? In this episode of The Revolution, Socrates in the City host, Eric Metaxas, is joined by author and friend, Joseph Loconte to explore the untold story of Benjamin Rush, a founder whose influence stretched far beyond the battlefield. A signer of the Declaration of Independence, pioneering physician, abolitionist, and advocate for religious faith in public life, Rush devoted himself to healing both the young republic and its people. While others fought the war on the front lines, Rush confronted the suffering within military hospitals, championed humane treatment for the mentally ill, and helped lay the foundations of modern psychiatry. His Christian convictions inspired acts of reconciliation, shaped his pursuit of justice, and even influenced figures such as Thomas Paine. Through his friendship with John Adams and his enduring question—”Are we virtuous enough?”—this conversation explores whether America can remain faithful to the principles that gave it birth and why Benjamin Rush may be the most important Founding Father we’ve forgotten. The post Eric Metaxas and Joseph Loconte: America’s Forgotten Founding Father, Benjamin Rush first appeared on Socrates in the City.

How can we learn to use AI creatively and responsibly for human flourishing? In this episode of Socrates in Oxford, host Eric Metaxas is joined by John Lennox, long-time friend of SITC, mathematician, philosopher, and author of 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity, for a timely conversation about one of the most consequential technologies of our age. As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes the world around us, how do we separate the realities of AI from the science-fiction scenarios that increasingly seem less fictional? Lennox demystifies the mathematical and technological language surrounding AI, exploring its different forms and the extraordinary rise of large language models—and asking what their growing influence means for education, human creativity, and the way we think. From the frightening possibilities of AI’s capabilities to the profound questions it raises about what it means to be human, Lennox considers the surprising connections between artificial intelligence and the biblical book of Revelation, and how imagery, metaphor, and prophetic language may offer a framework for understanding the world taking shape before us. The conversation asks if we are already beginning to see hints and traces of Revelation playing out across the world, and what kind of spiritual battle might be unfolding alongside the technological revolution, and what wisdom will we need to navigate it? The post Eric Metaxas and John Lennox: Will Technology Change What It Means to be Human? first appeared on Socrates in the City.

In this episode of Socrates Dialogues with Mary Harrington, our host is joined by professor, philosopher, theologian, and author Carl Trueman for a thoughtful conversation on the ideas shaping our modern identity. Drawing on his book “The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self” and his latest work”The Desecration of Man,” Trueman explores how our understanding of the self has been transformed by expressive individualism, technology, and the cultural forces that increasingly detach us from enduring commitments.  What does it mean to imagine ourselves rightly in the world around us? From the emergence of the “laptop class” and the decline of rooted communities to the quiet, countercultural act of planting roots and embracing lasting commitments, Trueman argues that resistance begins with recovering a richer vision of what it means to be human. Grounded in the biblical doctrine of the imago Dei, this conversation considers how our view of humanity shapes our relationships, our families, our children, and ultimately the kind of society we are building. The post Carl Trueman and Mary Harrington: How Should We Live in an Age of Radical Individualism? first appeared on Socrates in the City.

What is education truly for? In this episode of Socrates in the Studio, host Eric Metaxas sits down with Stephen Blackwood—founding president of Ralston College, distinguished scholar, and champion of classical education—to explore why so many young people today are searching for meaning in an age of uncertainty. Reflecting on his journey to establish a new kind of college, Blackwood makes the case for an education that forms character as much as intellect and revives the timeless pursuit of truth, wisdom, and beauty. They dive into Blackwood’s work on The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, the philosopher who penned one of history’s most influential books while imprisoned on the eve of the fall of the Roman Empire. A bestseller for centuries and often considered the original self-help book, Boethius’s masterpiece wrestles with questions that remain as urgent today as they were fifteen hundred years ago: Is there an order beneath the world’s apparent chaos? Can we find meaning in suffering? And what can the wisdom of the past teach us about navigating the crises of the present? The post Eric Metaxas and Stephen Blackwood: Can Classical Learning Save the Modern University? first appeared on Socrates in the City.

What happens when Silicon Valley begins to rethink some of its deepest assumptions? In this episode of Socrates Dialogues, Mary Harrington is joined by Michael Solana—CMO of Founders Fund, founder of Pirate Wires, and once dubbed “the most opinionated man in America”—for a wide-ranging conversation on the ideological shifts reshaping technology, politics, and culture. Together they explore the changing political landscape within the tech industry, where a new wave of wealth and executive leadership has sparked a growing openness to conservative ideas, even as much of the broader workforce has remained more politically balanced. Solana examines what California’s political evolution reveals about the future of American politics and economic thought, while unpacking his provocative concept of the “Luigi Left,” the surprising folk hero status of Luigi Mangione, and what it says about rising economic populism and an increasing acceptance of political violence. As their conversation turns toward innovation, ambition, and America’s future, they explore whether our changing relationship with technology demands a renewed spirit of exploration—and perhaps the biggest question of all, whether the United States should set its sights on owning the moon. The post Michael Solana and Mary Harrington: Is Silicon Valley Becoming Conservative? first appeared on Socrates in the City.

What makes a good interview, good? In this episode of Socrates in the Studio, Eric Metaxas sits down with writer, cultural commentator, and Socrates in the City contributor, Mary Harrington to explore the mission and heart behind Socrates in the City and the enduring value of meaningful conversation. Harrington reflects on her journey—from a mother writing a political blog to becoming one of the most compelling intellectual voices of our time—and discusses the surprising path that led her there. Together, they delve into the craft of interviewing, the mutual discovery that unfolds through genuine dialogue, and the fascinating science behind Mary’s “mind palace” as a tool for memory and learning. The conversation explores the wisdom of the medieval worldview, what modern society has forgotten about scholarship, intellectual formation, the pursuit of truth, and why the oldest forms of wisdom may be more timely than ever. The post Eric Metaxas and Mary Harrington: The Lost Art of Conversation first appeared on Socrates in the City.

For decades, Western culture has asked, “What is my purpose?” Many have been told that meaning is subjective, truth is relative, and every grand narrative should be questioned. Yet in the midst of rising skepticism, anxiety, and the rapid growth of the religious “nones,” a surprising shift seems to be taking place: people are searching for meaning once again. In this thought-provoking Socrates in the City conversation, Eric Metaxas is joined by Paul Anleitner, who discusses the ideas behind his new book “Based on a True Story: Vibe Shifts, the End of Deconstruction, and the Reboot of Meaning,” exploring why our deepest human longing is not merely for comfort or success, but for purpose. From the cultural revolutions of Woodstock to the enduring appeal of Rocky Balboa and the music of the Eagles, and from the moral worlds of The Cosby Show to the ironic detachment of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Anleitner traces how popular culture has reflected—and shaped—our changing understanding of truth, identity, and fulfillment. Why has deconstruction become such a defining feature of modern life, and why does it seem to be losing its grip? Are we finally moving beyond nihilism toward a renewed search for transcendent meaning? Together, they examine why Christianity continues to offer a compelling answer to humanity’s oldest and most important question: What is the meaning of life? The post Eric Metaxas and Paul Anleitner: What is the Meaning of Life? first appeared on Socrates in the City.

What if the story of the world has been told from the wrong starting point? In this episode of Socrates in the Studio, Eric Metaxas sits down with historian Peter Frankopan to discuss his groundbreaking book, The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, and the compelling case for rethinking the story of world history. Rather than viewing history through a predominantly Western lens, throughout this conversation Frankopan invites us to look eastward, where the great trade routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe shaped civilizations, economies, and empires for centuries.  From the luxurious goods that inspired Columbus to sail in search of India and China—not America—to the surprising connections between Eastern commerce and events like the Boston Tea Party, this conversation uncovers the hidden networks that transformed the world. As global power continues to shift in the twenty-first century, the conversation explores how understanding the Silk Roads is essential to making sense of today’s geopolitical landscape, while also confronting the often-overlooked costs of empire, slavery, economics, and the countless unseen people whose labor built the modern world. The post Eric Metaxas and Peter Frankopan: Why Was Columbus Sailing West? first appeared on Socrates in the City.

How do changing definitions of gender impact medical care? In this episode of Socrates Dialogues, philosopher and bestselling author Kathleen Stock joins Mary Harrington to examine one of the defining moral questions of our time: should society legalize assisted dying, and how do changing perceptions of gender impact this? Stock, best known for her fearless work on gender identity and women’s rights, brings that same lens to the end-of-life debate — asking whether men and women experience pressure toward assisted death differently, how caregiving and vulnerability are gendered in ways policy rarely acknowledges, and whether the language of autonomy obscures the particular risks facing women as this option becomes normalized. Drawing from her book Do Not Go Gentle, Stock and Harrington explore what dignity requires, what underfunded palliative care reveals about who society expects to bear suffering quietly, and what happens when death becomes another service medicine can provide. The conversation weaves together Stock’s long-standing concerns about gender and sexuality with the deeper questions of suffering, compassion, and identity at the heart of the assisted dying debate. The post Kathleen Stock and Mary Harrington: When Gender Ideology Became Law first appeared on Socrates in the City.