Episode · EconTalk · 2021-11-01
Books mentioned on Jennifer Frey on Education, Philosophy, and the University
Philosopher Jennifer Frey of the University of South Carolina talks about the state of the university in American education. Frey urges a stronger focus on virtue and human flourishing and a reduced focus on career preparation.
Jennifer Frey recommended Leisure by Josef Pieper, and discussed Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Brave New World
Aldous Huxley's Brave New World is a chilling dystopian masterpiece that envisions a technologically advanced future society sustained by pharmacological distraction, engineered conformity, and the systematic eradication of deep human emotion and critical thought.
Discussed“The experience machine doesn't exist. It's a thought experiment, but certainly Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is about soma, a drug that that gives people, you know, just I don't know what we what would you call it? Bliss.”
Where to get it
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Leisure
Leisure: The Basis of Culture by Josef Pieper is a profound philosophical essay that argues for the vital importance of contemplation and spiritual rest in opposition to the modern obsession with total productivity.
Recommended“So, one book, it's a small book, uh that I highly recommend to anyone is a book by Josef Pieper called Leisure as the Basis Leisure as the Basis of Culture.”
Where to get it
