Disagreements, Intolerance and Incivility in Public Life – The 2018 E. Maynard Adams Symposium for the Humanities

The second annual Symposium in honor of the distinguished UNC philosopher Maynard Adams (1919-2003) will feature a keynote address by Jeremy Waldron, University Professor and Professor of Law at New York University. Professor Waldron is a leading international expert on issues such as torture, hate speech, theories of human equality and the concept of loyal opposition. How do we sustain democratic practices of civility and loyal opposition when people are completely convinced that they have the true position on political or social issues? Does intolerance follow from rational or irrational convictions about the correct answer to each political question?

Such questions grow out of our current cultural and political context, and they will provide a starting point for Professor Waldron’s presentation and for panel discussions at which faculty colleagues will respond to his themes and offer their own views on tolerance, civility, and democratic societies—issues that were all important also to Professor Adams.

TOPICS & SPEAKERS

Friday Evening Keynote:

Disagreement, Civility, and Intolerance
Jeremy Waldron, University Professor and Professor of Law, New York University

Saturday Morning:

Panel One: Reflections and Dialogues in Response to Professor Waldron’s Views on Intolerance and Incivility in Public Life

• Max Owre, Lecturer in History and Executive Director, Carolina Public Humanities, Moderator
• Gerald J. Postema, Boshamer Professor of Philosophy and Professor of Law
• Theodore M. Shaw, Julius L. Chambers Distinguished Professor of Law
• Lauren Townsend, Maynard Adams Fellow for the Public Humanities, PhD Candidate in Philosophy

Panel Two: Reflections and Dialogues in Response to Professor Waldron’s Views on Intolerance and Incivility n Public Life

• Rachel Jones Schaevitz, Post-Doctoral Scholar for the Public Humanities, Carolina Public Humanities, Moderator
• Jill Adams, Emeritus Professor of Law, Southern Illinois University
• Deen Freelon, Associate Professor, School of Media and Journalism
• Andrew Reynolds, Professor of Political Science

After the event: Listen to audio from the event here

Panel Three: Open Discussion with Professor Waldron, Faculty Panelists, and the Audience

Building Location: Wilson Library is located at the center of UNC-CH’s campus at 200 South Rd, Chapel Hill, NC(click address for a Google Map), directly across from the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower. Visit Wilson Library’s “Prepare for a Visit” page for more information.

Parking: Free parking is available on campus after 5pm. Wilson Library is highlighted in yellow and the closest parking lots are circled in green on the map below:

Due to limited parking on campus, we recommend carpooling if possible.

Handicapped Accessibility: The handicapped accessible entrance is on the east side of Wilson Library, indicated by the red arrow in the map above. Once you enter Wilson Library, follow the floorplan below to reach the Pleasants Family Assembly Room, boxed in green. The elevators are circled in red.

Program Agenda: Since this event is open to the public and seating is not guaranteed, there will be no check-in period. The program will begin at 5:30pm. Please note that refreshments will not be served before the program.

The agenda is as follows:

5:00pm             Wilson Library Opens to the Public

5:30-5:45pm    Welcome & Introductions by Dr. Lloyd Kramer and Chancellor Carol Folt

5:45-7:00pm    Professor Waldron’s Keynote Lecture: “Disagreements, Intolerance, and Incivility in Public Life”

7:00-8:00pm    Public Reception in Lobby

Reception: There will be a free reception in the lobby of Wilson Library following Professor Waldron’s lecture. The reception will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, lemonade, and sparkling water. Since alcohol is being served, please be prepared to show ID if asked by the catering staff.

Books for Sale: During the reception, the Bulls Head Bookstore will be selling various books by Professor Waldron. If you’re interested in purchasing books, we would recommend bringing cash and credit.

TIME & LOCATION
The Symposium begins with Professor Waldron’s lecture in Wilson Library on Friday, April 13, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. A public reception in the lobby of Wilson Library will follow the lecture.

The panel sessions will take place on Saturday, April 14, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Center for School Leadership Development.

Carolina Public Humanities thanks the Taylor Charitable Trust, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Philosophy Department, and the School of Law for generously supporting this year’s Maynard Adams Symposium.