The History of Liberty

In this installment of the Exploring Liberty lecture series, Tom Palmer leads a whirlwind tour through human history to document the rise of libertarian ideas, starting with the Mesopotamian epic of Gilgamesh and progressing through the history of ancient Greece and Rome, medieval Europe, the Renaissance, and the Enlightenment thinkers. In part 2 of this lecture Palmer will discuss the resurgence of the authoritarian state in the 20th century and the contemporary rekindling of the ideas of freedom. Two lectures, each about 30 minutes. Part 2 will appear later.

The Better Angels of Our Nature: Matt Ridley & Steven Pinker

Two fascinating authors, Matt Ridley and Steven Pinker discuss Pinker's views on the decline of violence over history. I can't help put notice that the charts Pinker uses for his talk cover periods corresponding with the Age of Enlightenment and the rise of classical liberalism. Reason and liberty have long gone together. Three parts. About 90 minutes in total.

The Constitution of Liberty

Featuring Bruce Caldwell, editor, The Collected Works of F.A. Hayek; Richard Epstein, Laurence A. Tisch Professor of Law, New York University Law School; George Soros, Founder and Chairman, Open Society Foundations; moderated by Ronald Hamowy, Fellow in Social Thought, Cato Institute. About 85 minutes.

The Decline and Triumph of Classical Liberalism

Prof. Stephen Davies discusses the decline of classical liberalism This lecture is about 47 minutes.

This second lecture by Prof. Davies discusses the role classical liberalism played in politics and how it helped inspire the abolition of slavery, the extension of the franchise and international trade. Lecture is about 52 minutes followed by about 3o minutes of Q&A.

Ayn Rand and Classical Liberalism

Prof. Jennifer Burns discusses the role of Ayn Rand within the classical liberal tradition.

Jefferson and Mason: From Toleration to Freedom

Bill Barker has enjoyed portraying Thomas Jefferson in a variety of settings over the past twenty years. He first came to Williamsburg in the spring of 1993 to perform as Jefferson in a film made to honor Ambassador and Mrs. Walter H. Annenberg. He has continued to appear as Jefferson for Colonial Williamsburg, and assists in the development of Jefferson programs for the Foundation.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Bill's interest in Thomas Jefferson reaches back to his youth. He enjoys researching the American world Jefferson knew with an interest in the role the man played and continues to play in our American identity.

Bill received a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in history, from Villanova University and attended the University of Pennsylvania for a brief time.

Attracted to the stage at an early age he became a professional actor, director and producer. He was cast as Jefferson in many different venues including the musical, 1776. Bill is the same height, weight and general appearance as Mr. Jefferson.

Mark Sowell

Mark Sowell is an actor and impersonator of George Mason.

About 80 minutes.

The Roots of Freedom in Ancient Greece

In an interview, philosophy professor Mark LeBar discusses how core ideas in classical liberal thought, such as individualism, sociability, and justice, originated in Ancient Greece. About 4 minutes.

Equality and Respect

Philosophy professor Aeon Skoble asks, "What do we mean when we talk about equality?" In this lecture, he discusses the theory of natural human rights and its extension to positive / negative political rights. Filmed at the 2006 IHS seminar "Exploring Liberty" at Princeton University. About 65 minutes.

What is Classical Liberalism

Dr. Nigel Ashford lays out the 10 core principles of classical liberalism. 7 minutes.

Does Liberalism Have a Heart

A 20 minute discussion from the European Freedom Summit by Jim Peron discussing whether classical liberalism is compassionate or whether socialism offers true compassion.