Graham McAleer | Tolkien, Philosopher of War | Steve Brown, Etc.

Before he dreamed up Hobbits and the Shire, J.R.R. Tolkien served in WWI. So how did that affect his worldview? That's the fascinating question Steve and the gang explore with professor/author Graham McAleer on this week's episode. Graham's new book is called "Tolkien, Philosopher of War." https://amzn.to/4a2I2pd

🗝️ Have you ever read Tolkien? Have a favorite book or character? Did you like the 'Lord of the Rings' films? Share your thoughts in the Comments. 🗝️

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GUEST BIO
Graham McAleer is a professor of philosophy at Loyola University ( @LoyolaMaryland ) where he has taught for 30 years. He is also a member of the Judicial Ethics Committee of the State of Maryland and contributes to the national online magazine, “Law & Liberty”, writing about culture and politics. Graham’s latest book is called "Tolkien, Philosopher of War." https://amzn.to/4a2I2pd

00:00 - Intro
03:15 - Meet Graham McAleer
05:05 - When did Graham's fascination with Tolkien begin? More recently than you might think.
10:30 - The moral ambiguity in Tolkien's stories that get overlooked
14:43 - Most of his life, Tolkien was poor?
16:12 - In WWI, the enemy was gunning for Tolkien - here's why...
19:41 - Would Tolkien be on Twitter today?
23:11 - More from Graham on the Tolkien's morally complicated characters
29:47 - How Tolkien tackled Gnosticism in his stories
35:41 - Are you Aragorn, Frodo, or Gollum?
37:38 - Steve's closing thoughts
39:25 - Next week's guest is...

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