Beyond the Text: The Intellectual Historian's Podcast
Welcome to Beyond the Text, a podcast series dedicated to delving into intellectual history with depth and context. In a world saturated with quick takes, Beyond the Text goes the extra mile. Paying homage to Skinner's insights on the importance of context, this podcast unveils overlooked aspects of historical and intellectual narratives.
Co-hosted by Samuel Woodall and Jack Thomson, Beyond the Text explores the profound impact of thought and ideas throughout human history—forces that have driven change, shaped societies, and sparked revolutions. Beyond the mere words on the page, this podcast unravels the layers surrounding pivotal concepts and moments. Each episode meticulously examines the connections, influences, and societal currents that contribute to their evolution.
Join us on this journey to grasp the true significance of intellectual history. Whether you're an enthusiast, a curious mind, or someone intrigued by the myriad forces shaping our world, Beyond the Text provides a space for nuanced exploration. Tune in and venture beyond the surface to understand the rich tapestry of our intellectual heritage.
Samuel Woodall is a PhD candidate in Intellectual History at the University of Buckingham. He previously earned an MLitt in Intellectual History from the University of St. Andrews and a BA (Hons) in History and Politics from the University of Exeter.
Jack Thomson holds an MA in Philosophy from the University of Buckingham and brings a philosophical lens to the exploration of ideas, ensuring each discussion is both rigorous and thought-provoking.
Beyond the Text: The Intellectual Historian's Podcast
History of Ideas Club: Disraeli and Oakeshott
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💠Can politics be an art of belonging rather than a science of control? In this final instalment of the Heritage Series, Samuel Woodall explores the enduring legacy of Benjamin Disraeli and Michael Oakeshott — two thinkers who gave conservatism its humane and imaginative character.
From Disraeli’s Sybil and the vision of “One Nation” politics, to Oakeshott’s On Being Conservative and his defence of civil association, Sam traces how both figures reimagined conservatism as a philosophy rooted in continuity, affection, and the poetry of ordinary life.
🎧 In this episode:
- Disraeli’s “Two Nations” and the birth of One Nation Conservatism
- Oakeshott’s critique of rationalism and the politics of tradition
- The conversation between romantic idealism and philosophical restraint
- How their ideas illuminate the moral centre of the conservative tradition
This episode brings our Heritage Series to a close — a journey through the great lineage of conservative and traditionalist thought, from Plato and Augustine, through Burke, de Maistre, and Scruton, to the statesmanship of Disraeli and the quiet wisdom of Oakeshott.
đź“š Hosted by Samuel Woodall (PhD Candidate in Intellectual History, University of Buckingham)
🎙️ Produced by Beyond the Text: The Intellectual Historian’s Podcast
🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms
#BeyondTheText #HeritageSeries #BenjaminDisraeli #MichaelOakeshott #Conservatism #PoliticalPhilosophy #IntellectualHistory #OneNation #PhilosophyPodcast #HistoryOfIdeas #BritishPolitics
