Fall Philosophy Forum Series Kicks Off Sept. 4 Featuring Anderson, Ridenour

September 3, 2020

The philosophy department of OBU’s Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry will host the first Philosophy Forum of the academic year Friday, Sept. 4. The event will take place at 4 p.m. in Stavros Hall room 214. The event is free and open to the entire campus community. Face coverings and physical distancing are required.

The forum will feature Dr. Randy Ridenour, professor of philosophy, and Dr. Tawa Anderson, associate professor of philosophy. The duo will engage in an informal philosophical dialogue on, “Virtue and Vice in Public Discourse.” The discussion will include relevant contemporary topics such as posting and interacting on social media; seeking and processing accurate and unbiased news; avoiding straw man, mischaracterization, and polarization when addressing others; listening before speaking or writing; striving to understand others’ perspectives even when we will continue to oppose them; building consensus; and virtuous and vicious public discourse and Christian witness, testimony, and ministry.

Philosophy Forums are intended to spark interest in and engagement with philosophical topics and issues that have broader rational and practical implications. For the academic year 2020-21, the Philosophy Forum series will focus on “the virtues,” excellences that disciples of Jesus Christ should be striving to cultivate in their personal and public lives.

The second Philosophy Forum of the year will take place Friday, Oct. 9, at 4 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium, in the basement of Raley Chapel. This event will include a faculty lecture from Ridenour, focusing on, “Epistemic Virtues.”

The third and final Philosophy Forum of the fall semester will take place Friday, Nov. 6, at 4 p.m. in the Craig-Dorland Theatre inside Shawnee Hall. This event will feature a faculty lecture by Anderson, discussing, “The Quest for a Satisfied Insignificance.”

Learn more about the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry at OBU.