Exploring Conservatism and Liberalism in Canada: Insights with Peter Copeland In this episode, Peter Copeland, Deputy Director of Domestic Policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, delves into the philosophical underpinnings of conservatism and liberalism in Canada. The discussion covers the evolving political landscape, the balance between individual freedom and community values, and the impact of immigration and social policy on Canadian society. Peter also shares his personal journey towards understanding the good life through intellectual and spiritual pursuits. This thought-provoking conversation addresses the meaning of conservatism, the role of classical liberalism, and the search for a common good in modern Canada.
We discuss the inherent tensions in thin philosophies associated with liberalism. I argue that the liberal view of human dignity as rooted in autonomy and freedom of choice leads to the equal recognition and substantive affirmation of countless choices, which requires a larger redistributive state, undermines social unity, and contributes to the recognition of behaviours and lifestyles that are contrary to human flourishing. What’s needed is a rearticulation of the perennial philosophy, which has only ever been partially realized.
Timestamps:
- 00:00 Introduction to the Common Good
- 00:46 Meet Peter Copeland
- 01:13 Understanding Conservatism in Canada
- 01:29 Classical Liberalism vs. Social Conservatism
- 03:42 The Shift in Conservative Thought
- 04:13 Differences Within Conservatism
- 06:13 Fusionism and Modern Challenges
- 07:22 Classical Liberalism’s Internal Contradictions
- 09:03 The Role of the State and Society
- 24:11 Populism and Political Shifts
- 28:36 Canada’s Identity and Unity
- 41:39 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
Peter Copeland 