198 – Conservative Cagematch – Burke vs Strauss

198 – Conservative Cagematch – Burke vs Strauss

From Saving Elephants | Millennials defending & expressing conservative values by Josh Lewis

March 17, 2026 · 1h 5m

About this episode

The episode explores the ideological conflict between Edmund Burke and Leo Strauss regarding natural rights and historicism in conservative thought.

Ever since Leo Strauss published his magnum opus Natural Right and History , which ends by heavily implying Edmund Burke opened the door for the evils of historicism in the modern world, a great fissure in conservative nerddom erupted between those who align with either titan. Were Strauss' criticism of Burke warranted? Did Burke disavow natural rights and pave the way for the evils of authoritarianism, fascism, Marxism, and progressivism to come? Does a careful, esoteric reading of Natural Right and History reveal the Strauss secret family chili recipe? Saving Elephants has assembled an all-star panel to answer these questions and more. Representing Edmund Burke: Dr. Gregory Collins is one of the most celebrated Burke scholars of the rising generation. He is a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science and Program on Ethics, Politics, and Economics at Yale University. He recently received the Buckley Institute's 2024 Lux and Veritas Faculty Prize. His first book, Commerce and Manners in Edmund Burke's Political Economy , examined Edmund Burke's understanding of the connection between markets and morals. Greg has also published articles on Adam Smith, F.A. Hayek, Frederick…

People in this episode

Host: Josh Lewis

Guest: Dr. Gregory Collins

Topics covered

  • conservative philosophy
  • historicism
  • natural rights
  • political theory
  • Burke vs Strauss
  • authoritarianism
  • progressivism

Keywords

  • conservatism
  • Burke
  • Strauss
  • natural rights
  • political economy
  • historicism
  • authoritarianism
  • fascism
  • Marxism
  • progressivism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Yale University

Books & works: Natural Right and History, Commerce and Manners in Edmund Burke's Political Economy

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