This episode explores one of the most pivotal transitions in American history: How the Second Continental Congress moved from hoping for reconciliation with King George III to boldly declaring independence in the summer of 1776. With the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaching, Dr. Joel Penning joins us to unpack the fierce debates in Philadelphia, the surprising unity between northern and southern colonies, and the ideas that convinced reluctant delegates that separation was not only necessary but inevitable. We examine the shifting instructions from colonial assemblies, and what this moment reveals about compromise, courage, and the birth of a nation.

About Dr. Joel Penning

Dr. Penning started teaching history at Liberty in 2018. He received his B.A. in history at Clemson University, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. In addition to Colorado, he has spent time living in Kansas, South Dakota, Illinois, South Carolina, Australia, and Italy. When not in the classroom, he can usually be found with his nose in a book.

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About the Episode:

In this episode of Common Knowledge, hosts Brett Harkey and Chris Reynolds sit down with computer science instructor Jim McCormick to explore an unexpected but compelling question: Can programming be part of a classical education? Drawing on Jim’s background in engineering, industry, and classical schooling, the conversation examines programming through the lens of the Seven Liberal Arts, intellectual rigor, and the formation of the mind.

Together, they discuss whether programming languages function as a kind of modern Latin, how coding cultivates habits of logic and precision, and why the rigor of programming can be both demanding and deeply joyful. The episode challenges the assumption that classical education and modern technology are at odds—and instead suggests that programming may be one of the most classically formative disciplines available to students today.

Jim graduated with a Masters Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. After 24 years of computer chip design at HP and Intel in Fort Collins, he became a computer science instructor at LCHS in the fall of 2022.

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About the Episode

In this episode of Common Knowledge, Dr. David Diener—Hillsdale professor, Plato scholar, and former classical school headmaster—unpacks why classical education still matters in the 21st century.

What if the goal of school isn’t just a good job or high test scores, but becoming a fully flourishing human being? Diener contrasts the 2,000-year Western tradition—rooted in virtue, wonder, truth, goodness, and beauty—with the modern shift toward practical training and “relevance” that began with the Industrial Revolution and progressive thinkers like John Dewey.

He explains how classical education cultivates excellence in thought, character, and community life, producing graduates who succeed by conventional measures and live deeper, more meaningful lives.

A thought-provoking conversation on what education is really for—and why the classical approach might be more relevant today than ever.

About Dr. David Diener

Dr. Diener is the author of Plato: The Great Philosopher‑Educator and has published widely on Plato, Kierkegaard, and the philosophy of education. He holds a BA in Philosophy and Ancient Languages from Wheaton College, an MA in Philosophy, an MS in the History and Philosophy of Education, and a dual PhD in Philosophy and Philosophy of Education from Indiana University. He currently serves as the Assistant Professor of Education at Hillsdale College.

More about Dr. Diener: https://www.hillsdale.edu/faculty/david-diener/

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