Where Do You Stand on Freedom of Speech? A Socratic Conversation, Thursday, 9/17, 4-5pm

Inspired by Socrates’ famous conversations with his friends in the marketplace of 5th century Athens, we engage in spirited discussions of ideas and issues. Socratic conversations range broadly and probe deeply into the basic challenges of life. They are informed by the latest literature for reference and follow up. While building a sense of community on campus, these meetings enliven the intellectual atmosphere and model dialogue and discussion as modes of inquiry.

The New Meanings of Work, Thursday, 9/3, 4-5pm

Our work-lives are being transformed by hard times, by technologies like the BlackBerry, and by changing values. Many Americans have no work, while some are working harder than ever. And the attractiveness of different ways of earning a living are changing rapidly. These issues are reflected in such recently acclaimed books as The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work by Alain de Botton; Shop Class as SoulCraft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work by Matthew B. Crawford; and Saving the World at Work by Tim Sanders.

Come share YOUR thoughts on:

Are you thinking differently about the role of work in your life -- for yourself, and among your students, friends, and colleagues?

Can and should our work-lives yield more fulfillment that merely "making a living"?

Are new attitudes and strategies emerging in response to unemployment, under-employment, the environmental crisis, and other forces?

How should we educators respond?

Why Socrates? He engaged in lively, important conversations, exemplifying the values of dialogue and discussion. Socrates is an iconic figure in Education - but he transcends the profession in Western intellectual history.

Where Do You Stand on Freedom of Speech? Thursday, 9/17, 4-5pm

Are there limits to what people should be permitted to say, write, publish, and teach?

Such limits are being challenged today. Demonstrators disrupt town hall meetings on health-care reform, shouting down speakers. Internet bloggers incite violence against doctors who perform abortions. Holocaust deniers and "birthers" spread pernicious untruths. Book-banning efforts continue throughout the country.

Have you thought through your own position in this area?

Please come share your thoughts, experiences, and reflections:

Do you feel that you can truly speak your mind in your classes, as a teacher or student?

Or…do you have a concern, opinion, question, or idea that you feel is too unorthodox or controversial to get the discussion you think it deserves?

Do you feel there are any legitimate limits on free speech – and what is an example?

What would you do as an educator, if outsiders sought to control the teaching of certain topics in your classroom or school?

What do you value most about freedom of speech?

What do you regard as the greatest threat to our First Amendment rights, today?

Concomitant with Banned Books Week, this highly-participatory conversation with fellow students is moderated by Ronald Gross, author of Socrates' Way and Co-chair of the University Seminar on Innovation in Education.

Why Socrates? He was sentenced to death for refusing to be censored, and for speaking out about controversial issues.

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These sessions are part of a year long series of Socratic Conversations hosted by the Gottesman Libraries. To assure yourself a spot, complete with diet hemlock and cookies, please RSVP to libary@tc.edu.

Next session: Thursday, 10/1, Topic TBA.

Where: Second Floor Salon