Dr. Eliot Grasso will discuss the book Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress by Steven Pinker. Pinker, a cognitive psychologist, argues that the Enlightenment has succeeded and continues to provide positive value to humanity. Eliot will look at how Pinker uses concepts of reason, science, and progress to justify his claim. [...]
Dr. Jordan Peterson, a clinical psychologist and professor, has studied the moral problems arising from the uncertainty and chaos generated by totalitarian regimes and weapon technologies that developed in the twentieth century. In 12 Rules for Life, Peterson puts forward a practical set of guidelines, along with some nuance and context, that he hopes will [...]
This critique of email (asynchronous communication) comes not from Luddites but from cutting edge computer scientists and mathematicians. It appears there is a place for synchronous communications. Charley Dewberry is a tutor and the dean at Gutenberg College, a practicing scientist and stream ecologist, and the author of Saving Science: A Critique of Science and [...]
The Enneagram has become one of the most popular “personality assessments” ever, especially in Christian circles. In this Community Class, Nancy Scott will use this book to discuss what the Enneagram is, what it is not, and how we can think critically about our culture’s fascination with it. Nancy Scott, is a marriage and family [...]
Winner of the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Fiction and a New York Times bestseller ever since, Richard Powers's The Overstory is one of those rare novels that achieve both critical and commercial success. In this Community Class, Chris Alderman will consider the following questions: What kinds of topics tend to capture people's imaginations these days, [...]
Why do cell phones cost more in the U.S. than in Europe? In his new book (October 2019), Thomas Philippon discusses the economics of free markets. He explains how markets work and, in the context of the cell phone industry, discusses a number of factors that influence their freedom. He concludes that free markets are [...]
In keeping with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, this event scheduled for April 4 has been postponed until further notice. Please check back.
In keeping with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the May 29 Spring Preview Day will be held virtually on Zoom. On Preview Day, you will meet tutors who have devoted their lives to learning and helping others learn, discuss works by great thinkers, fellowship with a community of caring people who work together [...]
"Life has never been normal," wrote C. S. Lewis in an address to students at the outset of World War II. If we are waiting for a better time to pursue truth, goodness, and beauty, we may never set foot out the door. The work of the philosopher is to seek the truth regardless [...]
"In the world you have trouble, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Life is hard. Most literature and art produced by human beings over the centuries is about suffering, troubles, and struggle. We all experience such troubles in our own lives. And of course, this is one of the major [...]
