The best of intellectual conservative thought, every Thursday
View this email in your browser

CATEGORY: HISTORY (5 min)
 

Popular Narratives Left and Right Are Wrong About the American Founding


There are two popular narratives about the American Founding.

The New York Times’s 1619 Project provides the progressive version: America was built on slavery and oppression.

Patrick Deneen’s bestseller Why Liberalism Failed contains a more conservative version: America is failing because liberalism succeeded.

Two narratives, both popular. But what if they’re both wrong?

The Pamphlets That Time Forgot

In this week’s Intercollegiate Review essay, Professors Justin B. Dyer and Kody Cooper dismantle both narratives with two words: Pamphlet Debates.

Their short essay reveals:
  1. What the forgotten “Pamphlet Debates” have to say about America’s foundations
     
  2. The two lessons we can draw from those debates today

We could have written at least two more bullets, but you’re better off just reading the whole thing.
 
Read Now

CATEGORY: POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (4 min)


Where Are Britain’s Conservative Philosophers?


Last week, conservatives wept over Sir Roger Scruton’s passing.

This week, it’s worth reflecting on what his passing means.

Wanted: Conservative Intellectuals

Over in UnHerd, writer Ben Sixsmith points out that obituaries say as much about the present time as they do about the deceased.

Scruton’s death reveals not only the greatness of the man but also the void he left behind.

The question is: Where are the other contemporary British conservative philosophers?

And why have there been so few?
 
Read Now
From the Archives
CATEGORY: POLITICS (26 min)
 

The Meaninglessness of “Liberal” and “Conservative” in Contemporary American Politics


If you have ever felt frustrated by partisan politics, this lecture is for you.

James E. Bond (the professor, not the agent!) argues that terms like liberal and conservative are meaningless.

This short, thought-provoking lecture is worth every minute of your time.
 
Watch Now

2020 ISI Honors Program


The ISI Honors Program delivers the kinds of experiences that most college students can only dream about, all with the aim of encouraging serious thought and growth. 

If you’re accepted to the Honors Program, you’ll enjoy: 
  • An all-expenses-paid summer conference at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA
     
  • Invitations to exclusive seminars throughout the 2020–21 academic year
     
  • Academic mentorship
     
  • . . . and much more 

Learn more and apply today!
 
Learn More
Quote by Martin Luther King Jr.

Send Us Great Conservative Content


Have an excellent article, video, or podcast you think we should feature? Send us your recommendations! We’ll mention your name along with the recommendation. 
 
Recommend Content

Share the Best of Conservative Thought
with Your Friends

Forward Forward
Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Share Share

Who We Are, What We Do


Most thoughtful college students are sick of getting a shallow education in which too many viewpoints are shut out. We teach you the principles of liberty and plug you into a vibrant intellectual community so that you get the collegiate experience you hunger for.

Are you looking for an education and a community dedicated to preserving the principles and ideas worth saving? Learn more and get started with ISI today!
 
Start Learning
Our mailing address is:
Intercollegiate Studies Institute
3901 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19807

Add us to your address book


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list