The Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue at Knox College will host a conversation with Cornel West and Robert P. George, two nationally known scholars whose friendship spans deep ideological divides.
West, a progressive philosopher and public intellectual, is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary. George, a conservative legal scholar, is the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Principles and Ideals at Princeton University.
Their discussion will draw from their recent co-authored book, “Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division.”
“I can’t imagine a more timely topic or distinguished guests to bring to our community to model the power of difficult and constructive dialogue," said Knox President C. Andrew McGadney, in a release. “It is our obligation as an institution to expose our students to a variety of perspectives and encourage collaborative and respectful exchange of ideas.”
The discussion will be at 7 p.m, Thursday, Jan. 29 at Central Congregational Church, 60 Public Square in Galesburg. It is free and open to the public.
The event will be moderated by Thomas Bell, associate professor of political science and inaugural director of the Etz Family Institute. Bell called the program “a marquee event” that reflects Knox’s long tradition of public engagement, including hosting the fifth Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858.
Launched in fall 2024 through the support of Tony Etz, a 1983 Knox graduate, and Nancy Etz, the Etz Family Institute prepares students to bridge differences through fellowships, immersive experiences, faculty research, and an annual lecture series focused on civic leadership and dialogue.