© 2024 Texas Public Radio
Real. Reliable. Texas Public Radio.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

History's greatest minds take on economic inequality

Ways To Subscribe

Economic inequality has been a challenge even before Plato called it “the greatest of all plagues.” Throughout history, philosophers and historical figures have pondered about whether inequality is inevitable, or if there’s a feasible path towards a more just society.

David Lay Williams is author of the new book The Greatest of All Plagues: How Economic Inequality Shaped Political Thought from Plato to Marx. He presents new perspectives on the writings of Jesus, Thomas Hobbes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Jesus, Karl Marx and other figures.

They describe economic inequality as corrupt, unchecked, and a root of political instability. It has also posed threats to some of the thinkers’ fundamental values like faith, civility, democracy and freedom.

Williams’ book offers insight into how inequality has led to other substantial societal problems, and what solutions have been employed in an effort to solve this persistent challenge.

Do we finally have the insight and guidance to solve this age-old problem?

Guests:

David Lay Williams is a Professor of Political Science at DePaul University. He is author of the new book The Greatest of All Plagues: How Economic Inequality Shaped Political Thought from Plato to Marx.

"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. Leave a message before the program at (210) 615-8982. During the live show, call 833-877-8255, email thesource@tpr.org.

This interview will be recorded on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Stay Connected
David Martin Davies can be reached at dmdavies@tpr.org and on Twitter at @DavidMartinDavi