A Few Fellow Travelers

Here are three Substack recommendations for anyone interested in philosophy and Christendom.

I’m hard at work on my “two workhorses” essay for tomorrow, but I wanted to drop in a few recommendations appropriate to this week’s topic.

First, I’m very pleased that Dan Philpott has a Substack now, Arc of the Universe, and I encourage you all to read and subscribe! I’ve been following Dan’s work for awhile, and have tried to persuade him to write for Law & Liberty. (He didn’t really tell me no, just “maybe later” since he was deep in a book manuscript at the time.) I always find his perspectives measured, carefully considered, and humane. Like me, Dan is very interested in finding paths to grounded, realistic political and cultural reform, rooted in justice, and respect for human freedom. I’m excited to read his Substack newsletter.

Another great Substack to follow is Tim and Faith Pawl’s Pawline Epistles, which (among other things) explores the philosophical foundations of virtue and the well-lived life in engaging and relatable ways. Tim’s work is the antithesis of the “Hulga approach” that I discussed yesterday. He exemplifies the virtues of the analytic philosopher (systematic, clear, thorough) but applies them to questions of obvious importance to anyone who wishes to thrive as a human being. (Or, if you don’t care about your personal thriving, perhaps you still want it for your loved ones?)

If, like me, you’re the sort of Christian who goes to Confession regularly, you’ll quickly realize that these are exactly the sorts of questions you’re thinking about (or should be) in the confessional line. But even if you don’t go to Confession, you’ll benefit from an enhanced capacity to examine your conscience. Read Pawline Epistles, and become a better person.

Finally, I warmly recommend Living with Lady Philosophy, written by my friends Mark and Susanna Spencer. I’ve particularly been thinking this week about a post from last May, in which Mark reflects on what it means to do philosophy. It’s not just about “making arguments.” It’s about loving truth and wisdom. But… how do we do that? I’m still mulling over his suggestions, unsure how far I agree, but it’s certainly worth your time.