SAPIR Conversations

Harvard political philosopher Danielle Allen joins David Wolpe to discuss how ideas shape influence, from Plato to the American founding and today’s age of AI. Allen explains how an 18th-century British aristocrat—the subject of her latest book Radical Duke—helped her truly understand Lincoln’s idea of government “of the people, by t...

Does the fight against antisemitism require new limits on free speech? Two leading thinkers tackle that question in the latest SAPIR debate, produced with and recorded live at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia, steps from the Liberty Bell and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Claire Finkelstein, profes...

Economist Tyler Cowen joins David Wolpe for a conversation about AI, religion, and what makes us human. Tyler makes the case that AI’s biggest impact may be on status: who gains it, who loses it, and what happens to experts like rabbis when anyone can ask ChatGPT all their questions. He also suggests that losing our monopoly on intelligence m...

Bret Stephens, SAPIR editor-in-chief, joins David Wolpe for a conversation about why having power doesn’t always mean you have influence. Bret makes the case that American Jews face a striking paradox: more power but less influence than at any point in his lifetime. They explore how that happened, and the lessons for anyone trying to change minds in a polarized era. ...

Host David Wolpe is joined by guests like Tyler Cowen, Bret Stephens, and Danielle Allen to explore the theme of influence across culture, politics, technology, education, and beyond. This season is inspired by the latest issue of SAPIR, the quarterly journal of ideas for a thriving Jewish future. 

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