by John Lewis

The disastrous fall of ancient Rome had a philosophical cause that reached back centuries. From the outset, two deadly ideas were implanted in Roman intellectual life: philosophical idealism and the ethics of duty. This lecture discusses the transmission of these ideas, and how the lack of a rational philosophy left the pagans with no defense against the supernaturalism rising in their midst. Rome's fall offers a powerful warning—and a distinct hope—to America today.

(Audio CD; 2-CD set; 88 minutes, with Q & A)