SOCRATIC STAGE DIALOGUE SERIES

ABOUT THE SOCRATIC STAGE DIALOGUE SERIES

The New College of Florida Office of Public Policy Events seeks to advance civil discourse and engagement through facilitating events that foster open discussion and debate on relevant public policy issues. Such debates or group forums will provide opportunity for a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives to be presented. These events will be open to the public and will include speakers from within and without the state university community that hold broadly divergent and opposing perspectives.

For questions or additional information about Socratic Stage Dialogue Series events, please contact Deputy Chief of Staff & Director of Public Policy Events Alexandra Islas: [email protected]

Spring 2025 Socratic Stage Events

A Conversation on Gender: Culture and Academia

Dr. Judith Butler interviewed by New College presidential Scholar in Residence Dr. Stanley Fish

February 18, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Mildred Sainer Pavilion – New College of Florida

Gender has become one of the most divisive topics of the 21^st Century. Arguments persist across our political and cultural fabric: “There are only two genders.” “There are numerous genders, and the same person can identify with multiple genders in their lifetime.” “Gender is a culturally constructed idea, and there should be no boundaries assigned to it.” Dr. Judith Butler, is one of America’s foremost scholars in feminist philosophy and gender studies. Judith will discuss their years of research, their own views, and answer challenging questions about the roots of various gender ideologies.

Register Here

A Conversation on the Value of Liberal Arts Education Today

Dr. Joshua T. Katz, Tom Steiner, and Dr. David Rancourt

February 25, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Mildred Sainer Pavilion – New College of Florida

Much of the focus in higher education this century has been on the expansion of STEM education and establishing quotas on STEM degrees awarded. While STEM has an undeniable role in our present and future, there is no future-proof STEM degree. Artificial Intelligence makes thousands of jobs obsolete each year, and the pace is increasing. The timeless facets of a liberal arts education are key to making our citizenry malleable in these changing times, ready to lead and move our nation forward in the face of any technological advancements. This conversation will lay bare the value of liberal arts as an essential part of modern higher education, and explore what New College is doing to create a mold for universities across the nation to follow.