Matt McManus - Is Liberal Socialism An Oxymoron?

The Curious Task

#Science #Society #Podcasting Education #Social Sciences #Canada #Institute for Liberal Studies

39:50

The truth is out West! We’re hopping on the ET Highway and venturing to the most notorious alien hot spots, including Roswell’s infamous crash site, Area 51’s eerie perimeter, and a mysterious desert watchtower. Join us as journalist Laura Krantz, host of the podcast Wild Thing , beams up to share stories from the front lines of UFO reporting—from strange sightings and quirky festivals to a mailbox where people leave letters to extraterrestrials. Maybe you’ll even decide for yourself: Is Earth a tourist stop for spaceships? UFO hot spots you’ll encounter in this episode: - UFO Watchtower (near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado) - Roswell, New Mexico - Area 51, Nevada - Extraterrestrial Highway (aka State Route 375), Nevada - Little A’Le’Inn, ET Highway, Nevada - E.T. Fresh Jerky, ET Highway, Nevada - Alien Research Center, ET Highway, Nevada - The Black Mailbox, ET Highway, Nevada Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group .…

about a year ago 52:31

MP3•Episode home

The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism by Matt McManus
- https://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234?srsltid=AfmBOorDPxbjpTmpCJ2dgOznjWaxh8s53bHfYJ9odk360mjLFnf77MK_
A Critical Legal Examination of Liberalism and Liberal Rights by Matt McManus
- https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-61025-8
Liberalism and Socialism: Mortal Enemies or Embittered Kin? (Edited by Matt McManus)
- https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-79537-5
Why Socialists Shouldn’t Reject Liberalism An interview with
Matt McManus (Jacobin Magazine)
- https://jacobin.com/2024/08/socialism-liberalism-mill-marx-moyn
Matt's portfolio on Academia.edu
- https://umich.academia.edu/MatthewMcManus

Thanks to Our Patrons

Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:
https://patreon.com/curioustask

305 episodes

Matt McManus - Is Liberal Socialism An Oxymoron?

The Curious Task

12 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

References

The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism by Matt McManus
- https://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234?srsltid=AfmBOorDPxbjpTmpCJ2dgOznjWaxh8s53bHfYJ9odk360mjLFnf77MK_
A Critical Legal Examination of Liberalism and Liberal Rights by Matt McManus
- https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-61025-8
Liberalism and Socialism: Mortal Enemies or Embittered Kin? (Edited by Matt McManus)
- https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-79537-5
Why Socialists Shouldn’t Reject Liberalism An interview with
Matt McManus (Jacobin Magazine)
- https://jacobin.com/2024/08/socialism-liberalism-mill-marx-moyn
Matt's portfolio on Academia.edu
- https://umich.academia.edu/MatthewMcManus

Thanks to Our Patrons

Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit:
https://patreon.com/curioustask

305 episodes

#Science #Society #Podcasting Education #Social Sciences #Canada #Institute for Liberal Studies

All episodes

1
Mike Munger - Can Classical Liberalism Be Saved? 56:12

4 days ago56:12

56:12

In this conversation from 2023, Alex speaks with Mike Munger about the state of classical liberalism in an era in which conservatism seems intent on wielding the tools of central planning and the left prefers the term "progressive" to "liberal". Episode Notes: The Classical Liberal Diaspora by Mike Munger: https://t.co/xoRnPIUXXi The Articles of Confederation: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Articles-of-Confederation Preamble to the United States constitution: https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/about-educational-outreach/activity-resources/us Fusionism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusionism Albert Jay Nock and The Remnant: https://mises.org/library/isaiahs-job Chile rewriting its constitution: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/chilean-congressional-council-finalizes-new-draft-constitution-again-2023-10-30/…

1
James Tooley and Robyn Mulcahy - Why Do Families Choose Private Education? 36:36

11 days ago36:36

36:36

In a special episode of the Curious Task, Matt sits down with James Tooley and Robyn Mulcahy at Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre to discuss the benefits of private education, outdoor education programs including forest schools and the history of approaches around the globe that strive to offer students a more well-rounded alternative to government schools. References: James’ profile at the University of Buckingham: https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/directory/professor-james-tooley/ Robyn’s bio on re-cognition: https://re-cognition.ca/portfolio-item/educators/ Blueberry Creek Nature Centre: https://re-cognition.ca/home-page/blueberry-creek-forest-and-nature-centre/ James’ Book “The Beautiful Tree”: https://a.co/d/9SbGCMp Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask…

1
Alan Elrod - How Should Liberals Think About Children? 1:01:14

18 days ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Janet speaks with Alan Elrod to explore how classical liberalism understands the role of children in a free society. They discuss the liberal view of children as future autonomous individuals, the responsibilities of both parents and the state in their development, and how education sits at the center of ongoing ideological battles. Elrod unpacks the liberal commitment to individual flourishing and critiques contemporary efforts to politicize childhood through authoritarian or illiberal frameworks. References “Children Are the Future: Authoritarianism, Culture War and Making Model Citizens” by Alan Elrod https://www.liberalcurrents.com/children-are-the-future-authoritarianism-culture-war-and-making-model-citizens/ “Parents, Government and Children: Authority over Education in the Liberal Pluralist State” by William A. Galston (Chapter in Liberal Pluralism ) https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/liberal-pluralism/parents-government-and-children-authority-over-education-in-the-liberal-pluralist-state/4FEF2172B5BD8B088A4D0558C11E1A1B The Open Society and Its Enemies by Karl Popper https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/O/bo3619943.html Democratic Education by Amy Gutmann https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt7sdfv On Liberty by John Stuart Mill https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/34901 Taking Responsibility for Children edited by Samantha Brennan and Robert Noggle https://www.wlupress.wlu.ca/Books/T/Taking-Responsibility-for-Children Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask…

1
Chris Freiman — Is it Okay to Ignore Politics? 1:07:31

25 days ago1:07:31

1:07:31

In this conversation from 2020, Alex Aragona speaks with Christopher Freiman as he explores why you might be happier, and ultimately contribute more to society, if you choose to ignore politics. References from Episode 31 with Chris Freiman: You can purchase Chris Freiman’s book when it’s out here You can check out the Bleeding Heart Libertarians blog here You can purchase Bryan Caplan’s book ‘The Myth of the Rational Voter’ on Amazon Canada here…

1
Graeme Thompson - What Is Canada's Role In The World? 1:14:44

5 weeks ago1:14:44

1:14:44

Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about Canada's evolving role on the global stage, from Confederation through to the post-Cold War era and into the geopolitical uncertainties of today. They explore Canada’s historical balancing act between major powers, its close alignment with the United Kingdom and later the United States, and its present-day challenges in maintaining global relevance amid military underinvestment and economic stagnation. Thompson argues that Canada must become more serious about geopolitics if it wants to protect its sovereignty and remain influential internationally. References “Canadians no longer take geopolitics seriously – and our neglect is going to cost us” by Graeme Thompson (The Hub) https://thehub.ca/2024-04-03/graeme-thompson-canadians-no-longer-take-geopolitics-seriously-and-our-neglect-is-going-to-cost-us/ Biography Collection: Ogdensburg Agreement and Canadian Wartime Diplomacy (Dictionary of Canadian Biography) https://www.biographi.ca/en/topics/topic-match-list.php?id=1504 Statute of Westminster (1931) – Recognized Canada’s legislative independence from Britain https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/statute-of-westminster NATO Archives: Canada's Role and Early Involvement https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/declassified_161511.htm Canada–U.S. Automotive Products Agreement (Auto Pact) https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canada-us-automotive-products-agreement Lament for a Nation by George Grant https://a.co/d/bnRI7Rb Canada’s Military Expenditure and NATO’s 2% Spending Target (Parliamentary Budget Officer) https://www.pbo-dpb.ca/en/publications/RP-2223-010-S--canada-military-expenditure-nato-2-spending-target--depenses-militaires-canada-objectif-depenses-2-otan Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask…

1
Iain Murray - What Has Happened to Conservatism? 59:19

6 weeks ago59:19

59:19

In this episode from 2023, Matt speaks with Iain Murray about the estrangement of conservative liberalism from identitarian forms of conservative nationalism and the intriguing alliances that may arise in the future between freedom-loving libertarians and some unlikely allies. Episode Notes: Iain's book "The Socialist Temptation" https://a.co/d/5AUQHQp One of Iain's articles on the subject https://cei.org/blog/european-populism-is-nationalist-conservatism/ "Do Libertarians Have a Political Home Anymore?" by Iain Murray https://www.acton.org/religion-liberty/volume-35-number-1-2/do-libertarians-have-political-home-anymore Summary of Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillbilly_Elegy Ezra Klein's comment on "Everything Bagel Liberalism" https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/02/opinion/democrats-liberalism.html…

1
What Happened To The Carbon Tax? - Franco Terrazzano 50:44

7 weeks ago50:44

50:44

Matt speaks with Franco Terrazzano about the carbon tax within the broader context of government spending, taxation, and fiscal responsibility in Canada. They discuss the impact of high government debt, the role of the federal budget, and the long-term consequences of deficit spending. Terrazzano critiques the federal carbon tax, arguing that it places an unnecessary burden on Canadians while failing to achieve its intended environmental goals, and points to some glaring instances of hypocrisy on the part of its supporters. References Axing the Tax: 100 Simple and Painless Ways to Save Money on Your Taxes by Franco Terrazzano https://a.co/d/azlHzK6 "Carbon tax costs average Ontario family $627 this year" by Franco Terrazzano (Canadian Taxpayers Federation) https://www.taxpayer.com/newsroom/carbon-tax-costs-average-ontario-family-627-this-year "PBO confirms carbon tax costs more than rebates" by Franco Terrazzano (Canadian Taxpayers Federation) https://www.taxpayer.com/newsroom/pbo-confirms-carbon-tax-costs-more-than-rebates "Carbon tax bureaucracy costs taxpayers $800 million" by Franco Terrazzano (Canadian Taxpayers Federation) https://www.taxpayer.com/newsroom/carbon-tax-bureaucracy-costs-taxpayers-800-million "Cut taxes and government spending to combat inflation" by Franco Terrazzano (EnergyNow) https://energynow.ca/2022/02/news-release-cut-taxes-and-government-spending-to-combat-inflation Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask…

1
Graeme Thompson — What Is Canadian Liberalism? 1:03:42

8 weeks ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this episode from 2021, Alex Aragona speaks with Graeme Thompson about the classical liberal tradition in Canada, and what the evolution of that tradition has looked like. References from The Curious Task Episode 94 with Graeme Thompson A collection of the speeches of Wilfred Laurier can be found in an edited edition by Arthur Milnes, available from Amazon here. Macdonald Laurier and the Election of 1891 by Christopher Pennington can be found from Penguin House here. Graeme Thompson’s piece “Whatever Happened to Laurier” can be found in the National Post here. Graeme mentions positive and negative liberty by Isaiah Berlin, which is discussed on the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy here. The works of Adam Smith , Edmund Burke , and J.S. Mill can be read for free through the Online Library of Liberty.…

1
Matt McManus - Is Liberal Socialism An Oxymoron? 52:31

9 weeks ago52:31

52:31

Matt Bufton speaks with Matt McManus about the philosophical foundations of liberalism and socialism, exploring how these two traditions intersect and diverge. They discuss McManus’ work on the political theory of liberal socialism, the historical tensions between the two ideologies, and the ways in which contemporary political movements reflect aspects of both. The conversation also touches on critiques of classical liberal thought, the role of the state in economic justice, and the potential for a synthesis between liberal and socialist principles. References The Political Theory of Liberal Socialism by Matt McManus https://www.routledge.com/The-Political-Theory-of-Liberal-Socialism/McManus/p/book/9781032647234?srsltid=AfmBOorDPxbjpTmpCJ2dgOznjWaxh8s53bHfYJ9odk360mjLFnf77MK_ A Critical Legal Examination of Liberalism and Liberal Rights by Matt McManus https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-61025-8 Liberalism and Socialism: Mortal Enemies or Embittered Kin? (Edited by Matt McManus) https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-79537-5 Why Socialists Shouldn’t Reject Liberalism An interview with Matt McManus (Jacobin Magazine) https://jacobin.com/2024/08/socialism-liberalism-mill-marx-moyn Matt's portfolio on Academia.edu https://umich.academia.edu/MatthewMcManus Thanks to Our Patrons Including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit: https://patreon.com/curioustask…

1
James R. Harrigan - What Is Going On Down There? 1:30:44

10 weeks ago1:30:44

1:30:44

Alex Aragona speaks with James Harrigan about U.S.-Canada relations, with a focus on tariffs, trade policy, and economic misunderstandings that shape political discourse. James critiques the expansion of tariffs under Trump and challenges the idea that protectionism helps domestic industries. The conversation highlights the historical benefits of free trade, the consequences of government intervention in markets, and the flawed assumptions underlying modern trade restrictions. References James on X: https://x.com/jamesrharrigan The Centre for American Culture and Ideas: https://thecaci.org/ The Words And Numbers Podcast: https://wordsandnumbers.libsyn.com/ "Fair Trade Encourages Free Trade" by James Harrigan and Antony Davies: https://archive.triblive.com/opinion/featured-commentary/antony-davies-james-r-harrigan-fair-trade-encourages-free-trade/ Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask .…

1
Don Boudreaux - Why Are We In A Trade War? 50:22

11 weeks ago50:22

50:22

Matt Bufton speaks with Don Boudreaux about tariffs, free trade, and the economic misunderstandings that drive protectionist policies. Don critiques the balance of trade doctrine, drawing from historical examples and economic theory to explain why tariffs harm both consumers and producers. The discussion covers the impact of tariffs on the U.S. and Canada, how politicians exploit economic misconceptions, and why a policy of unilateral free trade would be the best path forward. References Globalization by Don Boudreaux Paperback: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/globalization-9780313342134/ The Essential Hayek by Don Boudreaux Free PDF: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/essential-hayek_0.pdf "The Case for Free Trade" by Don Boudreaux (Mercatus Center) https://www.mercatus.org/system/files/boudreaux-benefits-free-trade-ep-v2.pdf "Don't Get Played By Protectionists" (Cafe Hayek) https://cafehayek.com/2025/03/dont-get-played-by-protectionists.html "On America's Trade Deficit With China" by Don Boudreaux https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/on-americas-trade-deficit-with-china/ "Adam Smith Doesn't Like U.S. Trade Policy" by Stuart Anderson https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2018/07/18/adam-smith-doesnt-like-u-s-trade-policy/ Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask .…

1
Ryan Manucha - What's Stopping Interprovincial Trade? 45:56

12 weeks ago45:56

45:56

Matt Bufton speaks with Ryan Manucha about interprovincial trade in Canada, focusing on the legal and economic barriers that hinder free trade between provinces. They discuss Ryan’s book Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups , examining how constitutional law, historical disputes, and political inertia have shaped Canada’s fragmented trade landscape. The conversation explores key legal cases, the role of the Supreme Court, and potential reforms that could enhance economic cooperation across the country. References Booze, Cigarettes, and Constitutional Dust-Ups: Canada's Quest for Interprovincial Free Trade by Ryan Manucha https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0228014417 Gold Seal Ltd. v. Alberta (Attorney-General) (1921) – Key legal case on interprovincial trade barriers https://www.canlii.org/t/2f2ng R. v. Comeau (2018) – Supreme Court decision on cross-border alcohol sales https://decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/17059/index.do Interprovincial Trade Barriers in Canada: Options for Moving Forward by Alvarez et al. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383376202_Interprovincial_Trade_Barriers_in_Canada_Options_for_Moving_Forward Provincial Red Tape Report Card by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/research-economic-analysis/provincial-red-tape-report-card Internal Trade in Canada: Case for Liberalization by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) https://www.imf.org/-/media/Files/Publications/WP/2019/WPIEA2019158.ashx Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask .…

1
Bart Wilson - What Do Economists Miss? 49:36

13 weeks ago49:36

49:36

Matt speaks with Bart Wilson about what economists often overlook in their analysis—specifically, the role of morality, human cooperation, and language in shaping economic behaviour. Wilson argues that mainstream economics tends to focus too much on scarcity and efficiency while neglecting the deeper social and moral foundations that make trade and prosperity possible. Drawing on his book Meaningful Economics: Making the Science of Prosperity More Human , he explores how concepts like property, reciprocity, and justice emerge from human relationships rather than being imposed from the top down. References: Meaningful Economics: Making the Science of Prosperity More Human by Bart Wilson https://global.oup.com/academic/product/meaningful-economics-9780197758151?cc=us&lang=en& The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith https://a.co/d/j0nL0mY The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith https://a.co/d/iKwedtg Knowledge and Decisions by Thomas Sowell https://a.co/d/cRgCwe4 The Invisible Heart: An Economic Romance by Russell Roberts https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0262681358 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley https://a.co/d/a7vAUsi Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit our Patreon page .…

1
Tim Thurley - Are Canada's Gun Policies Off-Target? 1:40:36

14 weeks ago1:40:36

1:40:36

Alex Aragona speaks with Tim Thurley about gun policy in Canada, discussing the current state of firearm regulations, the shift away from a past political consensus, and whether recent legislative changes are effectively targeting crime. They explore the role of licensing, background checks, and storage laws, as well as the impact of smuggled firearms and high-profile policy changes like Bill C-21 and the handgun freeze. Thurley argues that recent policy shifts focus on legal gun owners while failing to address the main sources of gun crime in Canada. References "Aiming Off Target: Gun Policy in Canada" by Tim Thurley & Noah Schwartz (Macdonald-Laurier Institute) https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/aiming-off-target-gun-policy-canada/ "On gun control, Liberals opt for wedge politics over actual change" by Noah Schwartz https://nationalpost.com/opinion/noah-schwartz-on-gun-control-liberals-opt-for-wedge-politics-over-actual-change "More Guns, Less Crime" by John R. Lott Jr. https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0226493660 "The Culture of Fear: Why Americans Are Afraid of the Wrong Things" by Barry Glassner https://a.co/d/4qXgBqf "The Origins and Development of Canada’s Firearms Laws" by R. Blake Brown https://a.co/d/bMb4zyV "Armed: New Perspectives on Gun Control" by Gary Kleck & Don B. Kates https://a.co/d/5xk3gUj Thanks to our patrons, including Kris Rondolo, Amy Willis, and Christopher McDonald. To support the podcast, visit https://patreon.com/curioustask .…

1
Ethan Nadelmann - Is Vaping A Public Health Problem? 55:39

15 weeks ago55:39