Breakout Sessions

  1. Breakout Session 1

    10:00 am

  2. Breakout Session 2

    11:00 am

  3. Breakout Session 3

    1:00 pm

  • Ancient Political Philosophy: Wisdom for the Ages?

    with Gabriel Baker and Camille Bontempo

    Ancient philosophers had some interesting views about politics. Plato criticized democratic rule and advocated for the installation of a “philosopher king.” Aristotle believed politics was about developing the virtues of citizens. Diogenes, who made his home for some time in a bathtub, told Alexander the Great to “stand out of my light.” 

    In this session, we will discuss the political views of some ancient philosophers and consider how they might help us think about politics today.

    Gabriel Baker and Camille Bontempo

  • The State of Nature: Modern Political Philosophy

    with Dr. Sarah Vitale

    “Life is nasty, brutish, and short.” At least that’s what Hobbes thought about life in the “State of Nature.” Modern philosophers Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau justified political systems by imagining what people were like or would be like outside of society. In this session, we will look at how their various theories of the State of Nature led them to promote different types of government. We will also consider in particular Locke’s views, as they impacted the US Declaration of Independence.

    Dr. Sarah Vitale

  • “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”: The American Experiment

    with Liz Carnahan and Cam Isler

    Upon what philosophical foundations is the US built? In this session, we will dive into the influences that shaped the creation of the US government. We will explore ideas like natural rights, republicanism, and social contract theory. We will identify these ideas and more by analyzing important founding documents like the Declaration of Independence.

    Liz Carnahan and Cam Isler

  • Critiques of the State

    with Hayden Fletcher and Ethan Fuller

    What is the role of the State? In this session we will explore two different criticisms of the state: Marxism and anarchism. Both theories argue that the role of the state is unnecessary. According to Marx, the role of the State is to serve the interests of the upper class. Along similar lines, anarchists view the State as an implement of control over people’s lives. We will also consider what a stateless society might look like.

    Hayden Fletcher and Ethan Fuller