The Modern Scholar: First Principles & Natural Law: The Foundations of Political Philosophy, Part I

By: Professor Hadley Arkes

Narrated by: Professor Hadley Arkes

In this course of lectures, Professor Hadley Arkes seeks to recall the classic connection between morality and law. For law works by sweeping away personal choice and private judgment and replacing them with a public rule, meant to be enforced on everyone. And that state of affairs can be justified only if the law can, in fact, appeal to an understanding of the things that are more generally or universally right or wrong.

©2012 Crescite Group (P)2012 Recorded Books

Deep truths, emotively shared

Prof Arkes teaches politics from a natural perspective, which is both challenging and enlightening. What some reviewers don't seem to grasp is that these natural law principles underlie our western political systems and are the heart of our system of justice. I recommend listening carefully and repeatedly.

great

great great great great great great great great great great wonderful awesome excellent fabulous amazing superb

A Thinking Course

It’s good to go back and revisit what is political philosophy. It is interesting to note that this is not the end all, be all on politics, but rather an explanation of the intersection of politics and philosophy. (Something I wish we had more of in our modern times). Professor Arkes has a great narration voice, and this is meant in the in the highest esteem, he reminds me of Klick and Klack. (Some may not understand the reference.)

Truth and Objectivity Work for the Common Good

What did you love best about The Modern Scholar: First Principles & Natural Law: The Foundations of Political Philosophy, Part I?

This book correlates with the everyday decisions and perspectives we have to deal with where we need to operate in truth and for the common good. He gives a superior and scholarly understanding of what is significant in our communications and decisions rather than rigidly trying to perform under rules and regulations. We don't live in a perfect world or deal with people who will understand us if we just say what is on our mind, or how we feel so we need discernment. Above all we need to come to a place of discernment that is objective and based on truth, something that is above our natural inclinations.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a philosophical dissertation and it is so practical and understandable as well as being something one can put into practice. I love the enlightenment he gave.

What about the narrator’s performance did you like?

Very lucid and teachable approach. He puts the information on the practical level.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I listened to part 1 and 2 throughout the day and then listened to them again.

Any additional comments?

I am very adept at Philosophy and Theology and well educated in both though I do not have a doctorate. I found this series very relevant to life rather than just education and theoretical. I appreaciate the matter of morals and laws coming together rather than just law ruling.

Not for me

What disappointed you about The Modern Scholar: First Principles & Natural Law: The Foundations of Political Philosophy, Part I?

The religious tone

What could Professor Hadley Arkes have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

been neutral

What didn’t you like about the narrator’s performance?

I switched off before gathering an opinion on this

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No

Any additional comments?

I attempted several times to return and get a credit without success

Not for me

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I made an two errors worth mentioning. The title First Principle & Natural Law suggested a book dealing with law of Physics which was what I was looking for. It wasn't. The second was in listening to the subject "Political Philosophy" I found the accent and manner of the narrator rather unappealing and pedantic. I suggest anyone buying this title give it a careful listen beforehand to be sure its what you want.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Something in my intended area of interest. Physical Science.

What didn’t you like about the narrator’s performance?

Tone and manner. Accent.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disappointment

Any additional comments?

no

You get a little lost in the logic

Professor Hadley Arkes has a lovely voice and his arguments and logic are excellent, however my level of intellect isn't quite up to his. Yes I agree with his line but that is the way I have been brought up and now that is who I am. From what I can tell it is mainly about freedom, from slavery, self determination, to think without being forced not to. I don't know how this relates exactly to the rule of law, but it was wonderful to listen to Pro. Hadley Arkes speak. Perhaps after I have made some other political/law books under my belt I might appreciate him and this series of lectures better.

Not very enjoyable.

I was able to listen to the whole book, but I'm not running to buy the next one. I feel a little smarter because of this book and learned a little. It was slightly boring, but not enough to stop listening. I don't know if I'll buy the next one; I have plenty of more interesting books in my sights.

Just for men?

What disappointed you about The Modern Scholar: First Principles & Natural Law: The Foundations of Political Philosophy, Part I?

As a highly educated man, Professor Hadley Arkes has decided to continue the privileging of men. Although I initially tried to ignore the constant male pronoun of 'he', 'his' and the term, 'man', it was too much in the middle of Chapter Two when he stated, '... some men are invested with the authority to impose their judgements on everyone else with the force of law'. Clearly he is aware that there are female legislators. His decision to write and speak this way must be made with his full knowledge that sexist language perpetuates discrimination against women. This prejudice prevents me from listening further, and stands in stark contrast to 'The Modern Scholar: Philosophy of Mind' by Andrew Pessin which is characterised by inclusive language and a joy to hear.

What do you think your next listen will be?

The Modern Scholar: Philosophy of Mind' by Andrew Pessin.

What didn’t you like about the narrator’s performance?

Sexist language which infers deeper prejudice.

Any additional comments?

It would be great if Audible could ask authors to ensure their language is inclusive.