What is the spark for human cooperation? How does beauty bind its beholders? Why do we read, write, and seek the truth together -- even if our search never ends? This event series, a collaboration between Columbia's Burke Library at Union Theological Seminary and Commonweal Magazine, convenes a range of thinkers for a series of public discussions grounded in philosophy, theology, and the humanities. The aim is not to defend specific positions or provide inarguable conclusions. Instead we seek to invite reflection, provoke conversation, and inspire action. It's our way of meeting the political, moral, and existential challenges of our time.
"Why Write?" will feature Alissa Wilkinson, film critic at The New York Times and author of We Tell Ourselves Stories, and Micheal O’Siadhail, poet and author of Desire and The Five Quintets, and will be moderated by Commonweal editor Matthew Boudway.
Events take place from 5:30-7:30pm at the Burke Library's Main Reading Room (3rd floor) and Registration is required by 11:59pm the day before each event.
October 9 | Why Converse?
November 6 | Why Write?
December 4 | Why Read?
