Faculty of Vanderbilt University will discuss whether war is necessary at an open forum. The public is invited to the free event.
War or Civilization? A Faculty Forum will take place 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, in Flynn Auditorium at Vanderbilt Law School, 131 21st Ave. S.
“We want to keep the conversation going on campus about these weighty issues,” said David Wood, Centennial Professor of Philosophy. “Is war a necessary way of doing business? It’s been a bad long-term habit, and I think many people at least try to imagine a world that would be free of its scourge.”
Slated to participate in the discussion are Beth Conklin, associate professor of anthropology; Colin Dayan, Robert Penn Warren Professor in the Humanities; Dana Nelson, Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Professor of English; Robert Barsky, professor of French and comparative literature; Michael Bess, Chancellor’s Professor of History; Thomas Schwartz, professor of history; and Wood.
“I don’t think there’s any pacifist party line among this distinguished group,” Wood said. “We’re taking the question of war seriously from many different academic directions.”
War or Civilization? A Faculty Forum is supported by the Center for Ethics, the Center for the Study of Religion and Culture, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Department of Philosophy and Vanderbilt Law School, all of Vanderbilt. A reception will follow.
Media Contact: Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu