Ep. 119 - Liberal Arts, What Are They Good For? with Steven Cortright

Ep. 119 - Liberal Arts, What Are They Good For? with Steven Cortright

Author: Albertus Magnus Institute, Inc. April 9, 2026 Duration: 47:20

Join Joshua Mazrin and Professor Steve Cortright as they discuss what the name "liberal arts" actually means. Are they worthless? Are they tools? What's the point?


Deep within the rich tradition of the classical liberal arts, conversations unfold that feel both timeless and urgently contemporary. Magnus Podcast: Conversations from the Catacombs of Liberal Education is where you’ll find them, a production of the Albertus Magnus Institute. This series explores the foundational ideas that shape our humanity, society, and faith, guided by the enduring vision of St. Albert the Great. His dream was of an education that liberates the mind and spirit, one that is profoundly enriching yet accessible to all. Each episode delves into the intersections of philosophy, culture, and Christianity, examining how these ancient wells of wisdom speak directly to our modern condition. You’ll hear thoughtful dialogues and reflections that resist easy answers, instead inviting a deeper consideration of what it means to live a fully human life. The podcast serves as a kind of auditory academy, where the core subjects of a truly liberal education-those that free us-are opened up for anyone willing to listen. It’s for those curious about how enduring truths can illuminate contemporary confusion, offering not just information but a form of intellectual and spiritual nourishment. Tune in for a journey through the catacombs, where the light of classical thought remains undimmed, waiting to be rediscovered in our own time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 102

Magnus Podcast: Conversations from the Catacombs of Liberal Education
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 068 - On the Incarnation Webinar Discussion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:39
Happy third day of Christmas! Continue this joyous feast by listening to the first half of our recent webinar on On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius. Dr. David Arias, Dr. Matthew Walz and Mr. Dale Ahlquist joined us for…
Ep. 067 - Special Christmas Message [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:49
Please take a listen to this 3 minute announcement from the host of the Magnus Podcast and Executive Director of the Institute, John Johnson. Merry Christmas to our followers, fellows, and donors alike. Stay tuned for a…
Ep. 066 - The Battle for Beauty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:29
If beauty awakens the Divine, what does it mean for a culture when it is deficient in beauty? How do we return beauty to its proper place in the quadrivium? How do we restore beauty to a culture void of wonder? In this e…
Ep. 065 - The Enchanting Lie of Democratism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:56
“Our will is always for our own good, but we do not always see what that is; the people is never corrupted, but it is often deceived.” Jean Jacques Rousseau True…or false? Listen to John interview Dr. Emily B. Finley, au…
Ep. 064 - On George Bernanos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:12
The Magnus Fellowship continues! Enjoy this glimpse into week one of Senior Fellow, Dr. Hudson's course, “George Bernanos: The Man and His Work.” This is much more than a sneak peak; it’s our longest glimpse yet as Dr. H…
Ep. 063 - The Great Campaign Launch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:49
This week we turn three years old! This episode of the Magnus Podcast honors the Feast Day of our namesake, St. Albert the Great, celebrates our third birthday, and launches the Great Campaign. Please consider joining th…
Ep. 062 - The Waste Land Revisited [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:57
Revisit The Waste Land with us. Once again, we are offering you a glimpse into the Magnus Fellowship; this time with Senior Fellow, Dr. Freeh’s class, “The Waste Land Revisited: T.S. Eliot’s Diagnosis of Modernity.” Find…
Ep. 061 - In the Beginning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:14
Enjoy this sneak peak into the Fellowship - week one of Senior Fellow, Dr. Esolen’s course, In the Beginning Was the Word: Poetry and Christology in the Gospel of John. Find out how you can catch the rest of this course…
Ep. 060 - What Is Metaphysics? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:21
What is metaphysics? Is it philosophy or science? Is it witchcraft or wizardry? Is it inalterable or constantly changing? Why has it been reinterpreted and misunderstood in today’s culture? How do we return metaphysics t…
Ep. 059 - Becoming Polymaths [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:45
"Humankind, full of all creative possibilities, is God's work. Humankind alone is called to assist God. Humankind is called to co-create." -Hildegard Von Bingen This week's episode features Dr. Matthew Smith - the founde…