American conservatism has always been torn between commitments to personal freedom and moral traditionalism. In 1960, National Review editor Frank Meyer argued that this conflict is illusory. According to Meyer, “The history of the west has been a history of reason operating within tradition…The projection of a sharp antithesis between reason and tradition distorts the true harmony which exists between them and blocks the development of conservative thought.” This class considers the philosophical merits and political prospects of Meyer’s “fusionism”. Can 21st century conservatives defend both freedom and tradition? Or must they choose between irreconcilable alternatives?
This class is full but we can run it again if there is sufficient interest! Register below to let us know.
