Saving the Humanities | Stephen Blackwood | EP 188

This episode was recorded on May 18th 2021.

Jordan Peterson and Dr. Stephen Blackwood discuss his work as a founder of an inner-city youth program and his experience with developing Ralston College in Savannah, Georgia. They have a rich discussion about the philosophical underpinnings of human flourishing, the University and the humanities, the spiritual-intellectual crisis of our times, and more.

Dr. Blackwood specializes in the history of philosophy and dedicates a large portion of his work and studies to the ancient Roman philosopher-poet, Boethius. He was one of the founders of St. George's YouthNet in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is the founding president of Ralston College.

Dr. Blackwood’s website

Ralston College's website

The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast can be found at

[00:00] Jordan introduces Dr. Stephen Blackwood.

[02:00] Starting off the conversation by talking about the Inner City Youth Program.

[13:00] Asking Dr. Blackwood on the development of his interests into eventual career choices.

[16:30] The start of The Foundation Year Program.

[18:30] Studying Humanities empowers people to make their own larger meaning and could be the most effective way to improve life trajectory.

[26:00] Attacking the idea that all social constructions are just predicated on grabbing as much power as possible.

[43:40] Dr. Blackwood critiques the enlightenment of the postmodernists.

[51:00] Examination of the "Woke" search for meaning. Touching on group ideology.

[1:07:30] Trying to understand when the left goes too far. Power grabbing and setting the moral ground to use your own power and violence to obtain whatever you want.

[1:12:30] How Christianity relates to discerning deeper truths of being.

[1:27:00] The antidote to the spiritual and cultural crisis according to Blackwood.

[1:27:30] Jordan speaks on the intrinsic pleasure of aiding the development of others.

[1:33:30] Blackwood talks about the resources we have to overcome this spiritual-cultural crisis we find ourselves in.

[01:39:30] Jordan asks Stephen to expand on his fascination with architecture as a medium for contemplation of the past with the present.

[01:44:30] The process of creating Ralston College.

[01:50:00] Examining the ways that Ralston College is hoping to shake things up in the world of higher education.

[01:55:00] Wrapping up.

Visit www.jordanbpeterson.com to view more information about Jordan, his books, lectures, social media, blog posts, and more.

Jordan B. Peterson is a professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, a clinical psychologist, and the author of the multi-million copy bestseller 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, #1 for nonfiction in 2018 in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Brazil and Norway, and slated for translation into 50 languages.

Dr. Peterson has appeared on many popular podcasts and shows, including the Joe Rogan Experience, The Rubin Report, H3H3, and many more. Dr. Peterson’s own podcast has focused mainly on his lecture series, covering a great deal of psychology and historical content. Jordan is expanding his current podcast from lectures to interviews with influential people around the world. We hope you enjoy this episode and more to come from Dr. Peterson in the future.

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