Patrick Deneen | Why liberalism failed

In the second Ramsay Lecture for 2021 Ramsay Centre Deputy CEO Dr Stephen McInerney interviews Prof Patrick Deneen, author of Why Liberalism Failed. Patrick Deneen is Professor of Political Science and David A. Potenziani College Chair of Constitutional Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Prior to joining the faculty of Notre Dame in 2012, he taught at Princeton University (1997-2005) and Georgetown University (2005-2012). From 1995-1997 he served as Speechwriter and Special Assistant to the Director of the U.S. Information Agency. He is author of several books, including Why Liberalism Failed, published by Yale University Press in 2018. The book has been widely discussed and debated, earning a recommendation by former President Barack Obama, who wrote that “the book offers cogent insights into the loss of meaning and community that many in the West feel, issues that liberal democracies ignore at their own peril.” In a wide-ranging discussion Professor Deneen and Dr McInerney examine liberalism, from its Greek, Roman and biblical roots, to its modern form. They explore Deneen’s thesis that while liberalism promised to free people from the limitations imposed on their self-determination, that liberation has come at a cost, with individualism replacing gratitude towards our past, our sense of obligation to future generations, and trust in liberal democracies. They examine the role of technology alongside liberalism in the dissolution of traditional institutions such as the family, churches, and labour unions, and how this dismantling of social structures has disproportionately affected the poor. And they talk about how the election of former US President Donald Trump unveiled a deep distrust of the liberal establishment and an appetite for a new form of political order. Finally, they ponder the question, if liberalism has failed, what will come next? And what elements of liberalism are worth saving? Like this video if you enjoyed it so we know you want to see more content like it. Subscribe to our channel and click the bell to watch our videos first. Missed our last lecture? To view other Ramsay Lectures go to: https://www.ramsaycentre.org/events/r... About the Ramsay Centre: The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation is based in Sydney Australia. It was created with an endowment from the late Paul Ramsay AO, founder of Ramsay Health Care, to promote a deeper understanding of western civilisation, through scholarships, educational partnerships and events. The Ramsay Lecture series hosts speakers from all walks of life who have important and interesting perspectives relating to the world and our western heritage. Learn more about the Ramsay Centre at: https://www.ramsaycentre.org Email to join our event/lecture notification list: [email protected]