The Killeen Chair of Theology and Philosophy Lecture Series

“Must We Speak? Civic Responsibility in Times of Polarization”
Decreased civility and increased polarization now characterize the public sphere in ways that might have seemed unthinkable not long ago. The bonds of civic community have become frayed in recent years. Too often we seem unable to engage with one another in meaningful ways, especially when we disagree about foundational matters in morality, theology, and politics. How do we honor our civic responsibilities given this climate? Are there limits to tolerance and civility? What of the prophetic voices which urge us to respond to injustice, even when it causes discomfort? Join the Killeen Chair for Theology and Philosophy as we invite leading thinkers in philosophy and theology to help us negotiate these questions in order to move beyond simplistic dualism and toward true community.

All events are free and open to the public. Registration for these events is not required.

2019-20 Killeen Chair Lecture Series
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019 7 p.m. Fort Howard Theater, F. K. Bemis International Center	“The Feminist Politics of (In)Civility” Carrie Tirado Bramen, Ph.D. Director of the UB Gender Institute University of Buffalo
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019 7 p.m. Fort Howard Theater, F. K. Bemis International Center	“Spinoza, Toleration and the First Amendment” Steven Nadler, Ph.D. William H. Hay II Professor of Philosophy University of Wisconsin-Madison
Canceled	"Crucified by the War Machine: Benjamin Britten's War Requiem, Bodies, and the Hope of Reconciliation" Martha Nussbaum, Ph.D. Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics University of Chicago
Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020 7 p.m.  Fort Howard Theater, F. K. Bemis International Center	"Civility: Its Uses and Abuses in Public Discourse" John Corvino, Ph.D. Dean of Irvin D. Reid Honors College Wayne State University
Thursday, March 26, 2020 7 p.m. Fort Howard Theater, F. K. Bemis International Center	"From Civility to Justice: Conversations Across the Aisle for Human Dignity and the Common Good" MT Dávila, Ph.D. Religious and Theological Studies Lecturer Merrimack College