ICPR invites you to join the IL Humanities Council on 4/27
ILLINOIS HUMANITIES COUNCIL SERIES CONTINUES TO EXPLORE CIVIL DISCOURSE AND RESPECTFUL DEBATE
The (Un)Common Good series examines government and the economy with a conversation at the Skokie Public Library on Wednesday, April 27.
The (Un)Common Good discussion series will continue with, "What's Possible? Government and the Economy," a conversation with experts who are thinking and writing about the relationship of economics and government to democracy and ideological segregation. This event will take place on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Skokie Public Library (5215 Oakton Street, Skokie). It is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. For reservations, visit prairie.org/uncommon, or contact the IHC at 312.422.5580 or ihc@prairie.org.
Many have lamented that current state of public discourse seems to be worsening, noting the airwaves dominated by acrimony, partisan slogans and a lack of empathy, and wonder if we have lost the ability to disagree respectfully. Some research also suggests that Americans are surrounding themselves only with those who share their views. If true, what does this mean for representative democracy and for our ability to make difficult decisions together? What is the role and responsibility of the mainstream media, and social media in our public discourse?
In the interest of tackling these and other questions, The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) presents The (Un)Common Good, a winter/spring series that will bring together people across political perspectives to discuss contemporary issues in ways that are passionate, yet thoughtful and respectful.
The presenters for this event are Deirdre N. McCloskey, author of 14 books, including How to be Human – Through an Economist and The Bougeois Virtues: Ethics for an Age of Capitalism and the Distinguished Professor of Economics, History, English, and Communication at the University of Illinois at Chicago; Dan Proft, principal of Starfish, a digital content-focused public affairs firm, Chapter President of Operation Homefront Illinois, a non-profit that provides emergency assistance to Illinois military families, Senior Fellow at the Illinois Policy Institute, and 2010 Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate; N. Don Wycliff, a nationally recognized expert on ethics, Distinguished Journalist in Residence at Loyola University and former Editorial Page Editor for the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame member; and Laura S. Washington, a Columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and Political Analyst at ABC-7 Chicago (moderator).
From January 2011 through July 2011, the Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) will present The (Un)Common Good, a discussion series that will bring together scholars, artists, writers, journalists and audience members. For a full calendar of events or for more information, please visit http://www.prairie.org/uncommon or call 312.422.5580.
Upcoming (Un)Common Good programs include "How Free? Freedom and Security" (TBD), and "What’s Fair? Individual and Community Responsibility (TBD).”
Lead sponsorship for The (Un)Common Good is provided by The Boeing Company, with additional travel support provided by Southwest Airlines. WBEZ Chicago is the media sponsor. Series partners include the American Bar Association, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, and the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. This program is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Views and opinions expressed by individual panelists, scholars, and artists in The (Un)Common Good do not necessarily state or reflect those of partner organizations in the series, the Illinois Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, or the Illinois General Assembly.
The Illinois Humanities Council is a nonprofit educational organization [501 (c) 3] dedicated to fostering a culture in which the humanities are a vital part of the lives of individuals and communities. Organized in 1973 as the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the IHC creates programs and funds organizations that promote greater understanding of, appreciation for, and involvement in the humanities by all Illinoisans, regardless of their economic resources, cultural background, or geographic location. The IHC is supported by state, federal, and private funds.
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