A History of Freedom Audiobook By Rufus J. Fears, The Great Courses cover art

A History of Freedom

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A History of Freedom

By: Rufus J. Fears, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Rufus J. Fears
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It can be argued that one simple idea - the concept of freedom - has been the driving force of Western civilization and may be the most influential intellectual force the world has ever known. But what is freedom, exactly? These 36 engaging lectures tell the dramatic story of freedom from ancient Greece to our own day, exploring a concept so close to us we may never have considered it with the thoroughness it deserves.

In exploring what freedom meant to Abraham Lincoln, Robert E. Lee, Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King, and other great historical figures, you'll probe a range of provocative issues related to a concept we in the 21st century sometimes take for granted. What does it take to be free, to have and to hold liberty? What role do the liberal arts and the world of the intellect play in the life of a free society or a free individual? How should we understand the relationship among freedom, religion, and morality?

With Professor Fears guiding and informing your thinking, you explore the birth of the idea of freedom in Greece and the story of the world's first democracy; the status and meaning of freedom in both the Roman Republic and the Empire; the role of Christianity in that flowering of freedom, and the Christian view of the true meaning of human liberation; the debates about freedom that informed the framing and ratification of the United States Constitution; its awful testing on the battlefields of the Civil War; the struggles of free peoples against domestic injustices and foreign dictatorships during the 20th century; and the questions about freedom we still face today.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2001 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2001 The Great Courses
History & Theory Political Science Politics & Government World Freedom War Nonfiction Liberalism

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Gifted Storytelling • Engaging Lectures • Comprehensive Understanding • Enlightened Excitement • Memorable Presentation
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professor Fears is captivating. This course should studied by every American.
Our freedom is not free!

For Everyone

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Professor Fears is quite simply the most informed mind and best lecturer I have ever heard in my life. I was looking for a foundation of knowledge upon which to base further learning in the future. If you’re seeking the same, I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

Amazing

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I find myself re listening to this class often. Fun and informative and a constant reminder of the importance of individual freedom!

Favorite class

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Fascinating history of ideas and the people who best represented them. Explains so much about how we are today. Highly recommended.

Outstanding history

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Professor Fears has a particular style to his teaching. if may be divisive but it is interesting and attention grabbing. He tells the story of freedom with enthusiasm. it is well worth the listen, it is a refreshing discourse.

A remarkable journey through history

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This should be a compulsory course for every high school student in the US!!! It is such a shame Dr Fears is no longer with us. I would have loved to discuss the history of freedom over some adult beverages.

A World Class Course in Freedom

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The avuncular Dr. Fears is always entertaining. I wish I had him as a professor. All of the reviews complaining that this course is "too American-centered" or something like that are wrong. How can one trace the history of freedom and not rely heavily on the United States? That Dr. Fears doesn't hate his own country or look for things to "trouble" him will trouble some folks, but if you want to hear a sensible overview of the subject, this is a good place to begin. Like many people, I have begin listening to some of these Great Courses but lost interest as they proceeded. I likested to all 36 lectures of this one.

Fun and Compelling

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Every citizen should read this book. This is the path of freedom and articulates where we have come from and how we need to maintain that path.

Mandatory.

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This was a tour de force, very inspiring and though provoking; I thoroughly enjoyed it

Very inspiring series!!

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Great time spent with Rufus Fears. Freedom in all it’s complexities isn’t a trophy to be won and then placed on a shelf.

Freedom taught Fearlessly

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