philosophy bites

Chandran Kukathas on Hayek's Liberalism

Friedrich Hayek, though much admired by Margaret Thatcher, distanced himself from conservativism. He was a liberal philosopher. In this episode of Philosophy Bites, Chandran Kukathas of the London School of Economics, explains the key features of Hayek's liberalism.

Listen to Chandran Kukathas on Hayek's Liberalism

Richard Reeves on Mill's On Liberty

What are the acceptable limits of individual freedom? John Stuart Mill addressed this question in his classic defence of liberalism, On Liberty (1859). In this episode of Philosophy Bites, Richard Reeves, author of a recent biography of Mill (recently shortlisted for the James Tait Black biography prize), discusses this powerful book.

Listen to Richard Reeves on Mill's On Liberty

Read Richard Reeves on Mill in Prospect Magazine

Read 'Mill is Dead White Male with Something to Say'

Henry Hardy on Isaiah Berlin's Pluralism

Henry Hardy gives an illuminating account of Isaiah Berlin's pluralism, an idea he developed as a result of reading Machiavelli. Hardy knew and worked closely with Berlin for many years, and continues to edit and publish his papers. As well as giving a very clear account of Berlin's thought, he gives some insights into what kind of a man Berlin was.

In passing Hardy also reveals that Tony Blair once wrote to Berlin looking for an intellectual ally...

Listen to Henry Hardy on Isaiah Berlin's Pluralism

Visit the Isaiah Berlin Virtual Library (an excellent resource - includes bibliographies, transcripts, an audio recording of Berlin and the text of Tony Blair's letter)