April 13, 2026 – The Marshall T. Steel Center for the Study of Religion and Philosophy at Hendrix College presents Dr. Emily Austin '00 as the 2026 Steel Center Visiting Scholar for two special speaking engagements this week as part of Alumni Weekend festivities.
Austin will deliver the Steel Center Lecture on Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m. in the Mills Center for Social Sciences, Auditorium A, with a reception to follow in the Mills Library. In addition, she will lead the Friday Afternoon Discussion on April 17 at 4 p.m. in Ellis Hall, and snacks and drinks will be provided to those who attend. Both events are free and open to the public.
Austin is a Professor of Philosophy at Wake Forest University and currently Visiting Professor at Bowdoin College. Her scholarly work focuses on Ancient Greek theories of complex emotions, including the fear of death, grief, patriotism, and comedic malice. Austin is the author of "Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life" (Oxford University Press).
Austin’s Steel Center lecture is titled “Laughing at Tyrants: Plato on What Makes Vice Amusing.” Austin writes, “In Plato’s dialogues, Socrates spends much of his energy trying to convince ambitious young men that tyrants are neither admirable nor happy. He was regrettably not uniformly successful, as some of his common companions became infamous Athenian tyrants. This talk explores Plato’s arguments about the ethics and effectiveness of one popular strategy for undermining ‘tyrant envy’—ridiculing them.”
Austin will also lead the Steel Center traditional Friday Afternoon Discussion on “Epicurus on Managing Political Anxiety.” She writes, “Epicurus thought that humans fundamentally desire tranquility (ataraxia), a stable state characterized by the presence of pleasure and the absence of anxiety. Anyone reflecting on the state of the world would be hard-pressed not to respond, 'Good luck with that, man.' This discussion will begin with a brief account of Epicurus’ enigmatic advice for managing political anxiety, which strikes many critics as selfish, cowardly, or defeatist. Our aim will be to collectively assess whether the critics are right and what that would mean for our own relationship to politics.”
The Steel Center has sponsored a reading group with students and faculty on Austin’s book "Living for Pleasure: An Epicurean Guide to Life" (Oxford University Press).
“'Living for Pleasure' presents a thorough interpretation and careful defense of the Epicurean pursuit of happiness, using clear language, precise examples, and rigorous argument to defend the idea that pursuing necessary desires and reducing unnecessary anxieties can lead to tranquility. Austin defends the importance of community, friendship, and joy to the fulfilled life,” says Director of the Steel Center Dr. James M. Dow. “We are looking forward to continuing this conversation with Dr. Austin and welcome and encourage people to attend the lectures and discussions.”
About the Steel Center
The Purpose of the Steel Center is to promote the study of religion and philosophy on and beyond the Hendrix campus. In so doing, it is to identify, clarify, and contribute to the emerging religious and philosophical issues of our time. Areas of emphasis include (1) deep questions and perennial conversations in the liberal arts; (2) the academic study of religion and philosophy; and (3) interdisciplinary thinking about the big questions across the disciplines.
About Hendrix College
Founded in 1876, Hendrix College is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 45 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About Colleges and celebrated among the country’s leading liberal arts colleges for academic quality, engaged learning opportunities and career preparation, vibrant campus life, and value. The Hendrix College Warriors compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. Learn more at www.hendrix.edu.
“… Through engagement that links the classroom with the world, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion, justice, and sustainable living, the Hendrix community inspires students to lead lives of accomplishment, integrity, service, and joy.” –Hendrix College Statement of Purpose