#33 John von Heyking on political friendship, pro-Hamas protests, and the future of Canada.

2025-05-20

Can a country survive if we aren't united about common fundamental matters? Pro-Hamas protests block streets in Toronto. They have even forced ambulances to turn around. This has really bothered me. Aside from basic procedural solutions -- keeping a lane open for emergency vehicles or having police enforce the law -- can we solve the deeper, existential issue this raises for Canada? I think we have an opportunity to reclaim sanity from the fevered anger and protest that has invaded from outside our borders. AI s...

Can a country survive if we aren't united about common fundamental matters?

Pro-Hamas protests block streets in Toronto. They have even forced ambulances to turn around. This has really bothered me. Aside from basic procedural solutions -- keeping a lane open for emergency vehicles or having police enforce the law -- can we solve the deeper, existential issue this raises for Canada?

I think we have an opportunity to reclaim sanity from the fevered anger and protest that has invaded from outside our borders.

AI summary below:

The Role of Friendship in Politics: A Deep Dive with Professor John von Heyking

In this episode, host Shawn and Professor John von Heyking, Chair of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Lethbridge, discuss the complex intersection of friendship and political philosophy. They explore Aristotle's views on virtues, political friendship, and civic responsibility, applying these concepts to modern-day Canada. The conversation covers recent social and political events, including pro-Palestine protests in Toronto, the impact of high immigration levels, and the idea of leisure in political life. This thought-provoking discussion aims to provide insights into how we can improve Canada and understand politics better.

00:00 Introduction to Virtue and Friendship

00:14 Political Community and Leisure

01:07 Current Events and Moral Reflections

01:45 Introducing Professor John Von Heyking

02:18 The Role of Friendship in Political Virtue

03:13 Aristotle's Virtues and Friendship

08:41 Defining Political Friendship

13:45 Aristotle's Knowledge Types and Practical Wisdom

22:15 Friendship as a Universal and Particular Concept

25:22 Common Law vs. Top-Down Legislation

27:55 The Common Law Model and Canadian Identity

28:30 Friendship and the Notion of the Foreigner