The Civic Value of Solitude

The Civic Value of Solitude

Why has our nation become so politically polarized, and how can we be part of the solution? Join us for a timely discussion about how solitude can help us be informed, thoughtful citizens who can extend grace to those with whom we disagree. The free lecture will be on the campus of Washburn University in the Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center in the Ruth Gravey Fink Convocation Hall. A reception will follow the lecture.

Dr. Robert B. Talisse is the W. Alton Jones professor of philosophy and professor of political science at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He specializes in democratic theory, with an emphasis on polarization, political disagreement and the ethics of citizenship. Talisse is the author of over 100 academic articles and 15 books. His latest book is titled Sustaining Democracy: What We Owe to the Other Side. His next book will be published in the fall of 2024. It is titled Civic Solitude: Why Democracy Needs Distance.

The Civic Value of Solitude

“This is what democracy looks like” is typically the caption to a photo of engaged citizens publicly assembled to express a common political sentiment. Democracy indeed needs an active citizenry. However, democracy also needs citizens to be reflective. The trouble is that common modes of collective democratic action can dismantle our reflective capacities by escalating polarization and partisan animosity. It turns out that there are certain civic virtues that can be cultivated and exercised only in solitude.

About the Russell Jacobs Lecture in Philosophy

The purpose of the Russell Jacobs Lecture in Philosophy is to bring outstanding philosophers and discussion of their work to Washburn University. It is held in the fall and is always free and open to the public. Emeritus faculty member Russell Jacobs established this lecture upon his retirement.

Host or Publisher Washburn University College of Arts and Sciences