America @ 250 Presents: What Do We Stand For?: The Political Philosophy of Our Country on Its 250th Birthday

Part of the America250 lecture series.

Two hundred and fifty years ago, a band of farmers who read philosophy in their spare time confronted unique questions when they declared the independence of this country. How can we all live together? Can we have lofty ideals that work in practice? What can we learn from modern and ancient philosophy? What do we stand for? This talk by award-winning ISU professor Dr. Scott Samuelson unpacks the political philosophy of the Declaration of Independence and explores its value for us today.

Scott Samuelson holds a joint appointment at Iowa State University in Philosophy & Religious Studies and Extension & Outreach. Winner of the 2015 Hiett Prize in the Humanities, he is the author of three books, including "The Deepest Human Life: An Introduction to Philosophy for Everyone," and works with the Catherine Project bringing great books to community readers. He speaks widely on philosophy, ethics, and public life.

This lecture recording can be found on the Available Recordings page approximately two business days after the event and will remain accessible for three weeks.