The Thinklings Podcast — Episode 030 — Truth Up There, Out There, or In Here?

Welcome to Episode 30 of The Thinklings Podcast!

In this episode, Dr. Kevin Bauder joins the Thinklings to walk through the big picture of Western intellectual history — from premodernism to modernism to postmodernism. Together, we explore how ideas about truth, reality, and morality have shifted, and why these questions matter so much for faith and culture today.

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s conversation!

Books & BusinessNone in this episode — all of our focus is on the big discussion!

Main Content

* Premodernism: Truth is grounded in transcendent reality, rooted in the eternal mind of God, who ordered both the material and moral universe.

* Modernism: A shift toward imminent reality — truth is sought in facts, reason, and empirical observation. But this move gradually eroded belief in transcendence and morality, leading to skepticism and relativism.

* Postmodernism: Truth becomes subjective and person-relative — not “out there” but “in here.” Reality is shaped by language, culture, or the self, fueling today’s debates about identity and meaning.

* Personal Reflections: Dr. Bauder shares lessons from his own academic journey, including the importance of starting early, applying oneself, and cultivating discipline in study.

* Encouragement to Listeners: Get serious about life and learning — and never underestimate the importance of pursuing truth and wisdom with humility.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thethinklingspodcast.substack.com