Notre Dame - Constitutional Studies Lectures

Carl R. Trueman (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of biblical and religious studies at Grove City College. He is a contributing editor at First Things, an esteemed church historian, and a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. Trueman has authored or edited more than a dozen books, including "Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution" and "The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self: Cultural Amnesia, Expressive Individualism, and the Road to Sexual Revolution."

We explore the complexities surrounding the concepts of human embodiment, transhumanism, and personal identity in the modern world. Addressing Sophie Lewis' views on pregnancy, the perspective of professional female athletes regarding their bodies, and broader philosophical questions raised by thinkers like Mary Harrington, the speaker dives into the intricate relationship between our physical selves and the roles technology and social media play in shaping our understanding of humanity.

Visit CCCG: www.constudies.nd.edu

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded April 17, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame

The Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government is hosting a panel discussion celebrating the release of The Peaceful Resolution of Territorial and Maritime Disputes by Dr. Emilia Justyna Powell and Dr. Krista E. Wiegand. Panelists will include both authors of the book, as well as Sheikh Dr. Abdulrahman al-Salimi.

Dive deep into the mechanisms of international conflict resolution with our latest video, featuring expert insights from the authors of a rich and detailed book on the subject. This enlightening presentation, led by professors Amelia Powell and Krista E. Wigan, covers the intricate process of resolving international territorial and maritime disputes through peaceful means, including arbitration, mediation, and strategic forum selection.

Professors Powell and Wigan, with their extensive backgrounds in political science, international law, and conflict management, provide a thorough analysis of these complex resolution methods.

This event is co-sponsored with the Kellogg Institute for Global Affairs, the Kellogg Institute's Lab on Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law (CAROL), and the Rafat and Zoreen Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion.

Learn more about the CCCG: https://constudies.nd.edu/

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded September 7, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame

Jenna Silber Storey was previously assistant professor in politics and international affairs and the executive director of the Tocqueville Program at Furman University. Dr. Storey is also an alumni-in-residence at the University of Chicago (2022-23). She has taught at the University of Chicago; the Buckley Program at Yale University; the Hertog Summer Studies Program in Washington, DC; and the Tikvah Fund in Princeton, New Jersey.

Benjamin Storey previously served as Jane Gage Hipp Professor of Politics and International Affairs and director of the Tocqueville Program at Furman University. He was previously a visiting fellow at the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, as well as the director of a National Endowment for the Humanities “Enduring Questions” course development project. He has also taught at the Hertog Political Studies Program, the Tikvah Fund, and the William F. Buckley, Jr. Program at Yale.

"Why We Are Restless," investigates the challenges college students face around finding purpose and direction despite their outward signs of success. Inspired by our observations and teachings within the classroom, the book discusses the concept of modern restlessness, drawing parallels between our experiences with students and the ideas proposed by historical thinkers like Alexis de Tocqueville and Augustine.

Visit CCCG: www.constudies.nd.edu

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded March 30, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame

One of the most prominent political philosophy scholars in America, Dr. Harvey C. Mansfield is the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Government at Harvard University, where he studies and teaches political philosophy.

He has written on Edmund Burke and the nature of political parties, on Machiavelli and the invention of indirect government, in defense of a defensible liberalism and in favor of a Constitutional American political science. He has also written on the discovery and development of the theory of executive power, and has translated three books of Machiavelli’s and (with Delba Winthrop) Tocqueville's Democracy in America. He has also published a book on manliness, as well as an introduction to Tocqueville.

This lecture engages with the ideals of democracy and meritocracy through the lens of great political theorists. Highlighting democracy as both a form of government and an endpoint aiming for equality and freedom, the speaker delves into the intricacies of how aristocratic institutions can paradoxically serve as a means to achieve democratic ends.

Visit the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government: https://constudies.nd.edu/

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded April 26, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame

Michael Anton is a lecturer and research fellow at Hillsdale College, a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, and a former national security official in the Trump and George W. Bush administrations. He has also served in the administrations of California Governor Pete Wilson and New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

James R. Otteson is the John T. Ryan Jr. Professor of Business Ethics, the Honors Program Faculty Director, and a CCCG faculty fellow at the University of Notre Dame. He received his BA from the Program of Liberal Studies at the University of Notre Dame and his PhD in philosophy from the University of Chicago.

Visit CCCG: www.constudies.nd.edu

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded March 24, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame

Judge Kyle Duncan of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit visited Notre Dame on Friday, March 24, 2023 to deliver a lecture titled “Free Speech and Legal Education in Our Liberal Democracy.” The event is co-sponsored by Notre Dame’s Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government, the Notre Dame Law School’s Federalist Society Chapter, and the Federalist Society Freedom of Thought Project.

Dive into the heart of legal education, the roles and responsibilities of law schools, and their significant impact on shaping the future of the legal profession. Our conversation covers a range of pressing topics, from the nature of protests within law schools to the critical aspect of free speech in legal education. We also explore the challenging dynamics between personal beliefs and professional duties, specifically looking at judicial recusal and its implications on legal ethics.

Visit CCCG: constudies.nd.edu

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded March 24, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame

James R. Stoner, Jr. is the Hermann Moyse, Jr., Professor and Director of the Eric Voegelin Institute in the Department of Political Science at Louisiana State University, where he has taught since 1988.

Journey through the annals of political thought, guided by the profound teachings of Aristotle and the theological insights of Saint Augustine. Discover the intricate views on governance, society, and the philosophical underpinnings of the city-state as conceptualized in ancient Greece, juxtaposed with the transformative Christian era perspectives offered by Augustine.

Embark on a comprehensive exploration that begins with Aristotle's categorization of regimes or 'politeia', delving deep into the distinctions between kingship, aristocracy, democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny. Aristotle’s emphasis on the communal pursuit of virtue and the optimal structure of a polity, wherein military virtues flourish and laws are revered, unveils the Greek’s intricate link between governance and the moral fiber of its citizens.

Learn more about CCCG at https://constudies.nd.edu/

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded February 16, 2023 at the University of Notre Dame

Michael P. Zuckert is the Nancy R. Dreux Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, at the University of Notre Dame.

Abraham Lincoln is often hailed as America's greatest president, yet subject to waves of criticism that have evolved over decades. We explore the intricate dynamics of Lincoln's presidency, focusing on his statecraft during the Civil War period and the extensive debates among historians regarding his motives and the inevitability of the Civil War.

The video examines the initial critiques from the first half of the 20th century, where historians labeled Lincoln's approach as overly radical, transforming a potentially peaceful conflict into an unavoidable Greek tragedy. We look into Lincoln's famous "house divided" speech and how his insistence on maintaining the Union, despite predicting the nation would not remain half slave and half free, set the stage for conflict.

Transitioning to the mid to late 20th century, we see a shift in criticism, aligning more with the Civil Rights Movement's aftermath. Here, Lincoln's actions are scrutinized for their perceived limited scope and conservatism, questioning his dedication to true racial equality despite his role in emancipation.

Learn more about The Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government: https://constudies.nd.edu/

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded December 5, 2022 at the University of Notre Dame

Senator Tim Scott has represented South Carolina in the United States Senate since 2013. After growing up mired in poverty in a single parent household, he strives to change lives through a message of hope and opportunity.

Join us in an inspiring journey as we uncover the profound influence of family values, history, and politics on personal growth and societal development. Explore the rich tapestry of life experiences shared by our guest, whose grandfather was born in the racially divided South Carolina of 1921. Through captivating anecdotes, we explore the powerful lessons on perseverance, optimism, and love passed down through generations.

Sen. Scott discusses the crucial role of family in shaping political convictions and the stark contrast between private and communal responsibilities in today's social structure. Listen in as we journey from heartfelt tales of the past to the pressing issues of the present, touching on the impacts of federal assistance and the dynamics of political affiliations.

Learn more about The Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government: https://constudies.nd.edu/

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

Recorded November 4, 2022 at the University of Notre Dame

Historical Catholic teaching is that the church as well as the state is a potestas – a sovereign legal authority with the right to legislate and to enforce its legislation punitively. What conception of legal authority does this require? Thomas Pink visits the University of Notre Dame from King's College London to discuss.

In his talk, Thomas Pink explains the concepts of legal authority and official theology within the church. We explore the role of magisterial teaching in shaping our beliefs and the distinction between canonical obligations and the intellectual and willing submission to fallible teachings. Understanding the nuances between magisterial authority, the educative purpose of legal authority, and the fluctuating nature of official theology across time and geography. Hear how historical perspectives on topics like the destiny of unbaptized children have evolved without corresponding changes in magisterial teaching, reflecting the dynamic nature of official theology. Join us as we discuss the implications of canonical legislation, the moral versus legal obligations they impose, and notable theological figures' interpretations, including distinctions made by Newman, Manning, and others, on papal infallibility in legislation.

Learn more about The Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government: https://constudies.nd.edu/

Co-sponsored by the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture and the Notre Dame Law School.

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the University of Notre Dame, the College of Arts and Letters, or the Center for Citizenship and Constitutional Government.

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