“Fusion” Conservatism is the synthesis of liberty and virtue – both vital components in understanding the American founding, and indubitably modern conservatism.  Where did this “fusion” come from?  Even before the founding of America, there were texts and thinkers who saw the need for this fusion in order to achieve the most flourishing and virtuous society.  Certainly from the Judeo-Christian tradition there was a high view of man’s free-will coupled with an acknowledgement of his need to pursue virtue.  Leading up to the writing of our Constitution, men such as John Locke and Edmund Burke, championed such means toward such ends.  In this first session, Becky Norton Dunlop lays out before us the “founders of fusionism.”