AWTT’s Robert Shetterly will be the evening keynote speaker at Washington & Jefferson College’s Symposium on Democracy. 

Shetterly’s topic will be “An Artist’s Journey into History, Democracy, Power and Reality.”

An initiative of College President John C. Knapp, this series of lectures and events provides an opportunity for the community to engage in a thoughtful exploration of the state of democracy as a form of governance in the United States and across the world.

The topic of this year’s conference is: Courageous Conversations: Civil Discourse in Divisive Times

Why is civility so often lacking in our public discourse, especially when strongly held opinions are expressed?  The tenor of our debates in the public square, on cable TV, and on social media can deepen distrust and further polarize all parties.  Yet it can be easier to talk at each other than with each other.  It takes courage to invite and listen to another point of view, to constructively seek to understand, even when agreement is not possible.  It has been said that courageous conversations are rare because they are the ones we know we need to have, and know we are not having.

Can we voice our views passionately and persuasively without resorting to ad hominem attacks or unnecessarily divisive tactics? The 2019 Symposium on Democracy explores how courageous conversations, characterized by civil discourse, are essential to a healthy democratic society.

Shetterly’s address will take place in the Olin Fine Arts Center Theatre at 7 p.m. on February 18, 2019. 

All events are free and open to the public.