Professor Alexandre Lefebvre, author of Liberalism as a Way of Life, joins me to discuss liberalism (a companion to episode 004 with Tom Sarrouf). Alex offers his take on Deneen (whether liberalism failed), Fukuyama (whether liberalism is the end of History), how to be a better liberal and practise liberalism, as well as the Aussie phrase that is the best short definition of liberalism out there. He also outlines his interesting new project and invites the listener and reader to consider further ways to practise liberalism. Much to chew on here!

(00:00) Introduction

(00:50) Defining liberalism

(02:49) Comprehensive liberalism vs political liberalism

(05:01) Is liberalism failing?

(10:13) Illiberalism and conceptions of the good

(19:06) A middle ground for the State?

(24:19) The aim of Alex’s book

(26:24) Liberaldom and Christendom

(32:41) Is liberalism fatally flawed, or does it require better practice?

(37:15) Spiritual exercises for liberals

(38:46) Similarities between liberalism and Christianity

(44:41) Spiritual exercises II: the original position and the veil of ignorance

(52:51) How can this be institutionalised?

(55:50) Feasibility of liberalism without deference to authority

(59:06) Common themes in Alex’s body of work

(1:01:19) Wrapping up