What are they about?
Conversations in the Liberal Arts happen Wednesday Afternoons (4:10pm-5:10pm) in Ellis Hall. Informal discussions include a variety of topics such as politics, literature, social issues, scientific questions, as well as religion and philosophy.
Spring 2024 Schedule
April 3rd
Defining the Liberal Arts: Content, Context, and Purpose
Abstract
"As we prepare for the next 150 years at Hendrix, how do we develop a shared understanding of our future as the premier residential liberal arts college in Arkansas? How does our definition of the liberal arts shape that understanding?" - Dr. Karen Petersen, President of Hendrix College
March 27th
Post-Metal Heaviness
Abstract
What makes heavy metal heavy? It has been argued (Miller 2022) that the concept of ‘heaviness’ is inarticulable, irreducible, and impossible to define. In this paper, I will argue for an account of the aesthetics of heaviness that is more optimistic. First, I will take as my focus the instrumental post-metal music of bands such as Red Sparowes, Russian Circles, Pelican, and Caspian and will argue that focusing on the progressive variations of the timbral style of bands like these helps us to clarify the phenomena of heaviness. Second, I will argue that we can make progress in developing an account of the aesthetics of heaviness even if we cannot provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the application of the concept of heaviness. Instead, we can conceive of timbral concepts as proxytypes of deformations of the sources of the sound. Third, I will argue that not enough consideration has been given in the aesthetics of heaviness to the following: loudness of amps in live performances; differences between overdrive, distortion, and fuzz guitar timbres; downtuning and low-end resonance of guitars; power and constancy in kick drum pattern; and low end equalizing of kick drum, floor toms, and bass layers. In closing, I suggest ways that an aesthetics of heaviness can be further developed for both sensibility theorists like Sibley (1959) and category theorists like Walton (1970), thereby providing a more optimistic path for the aesthetics of heaviness.
March 13th
Introducing Philosophy & Religious Studies in the American Public High School featuring Tony Shepherd from Parkview Arts/Science Magnet High School (Little Rock, AR)
Abstract
As an AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, and Bible as Literature teacher in a public American high school, assisting the move from basically myopic discussions to universally complex ones is taxing but rewarding. As we progress from August to May, we move incrementally through in AP program with additions along the way. Philosophical and religious discussions are typically our focus along with class, race, gender, and language.
March 6th
Ramadan Discussion, led by Yousef Zonfuly ('24) & Feross Al-Hindi ('24)
Abstract
As the month of Ramadan is approaching, engage in a discussion about this holy month with the Hendrix MSA (Muslim Student Association) and other members of the community. Learn about their experiences, share your own, and ask questions!
February 28th
"Own Your Power", Rustin Afternoon Discussion, led by Religious Studies professor Dr. Justin Barringer.
Abstract
"We all know Dr. King, but did you know there wouldn't be an MLK as we know him today, no March on Washington, no "Dream Speech" if it weren't for his mentor and friend Bayard Rustin. Recently, Barak and Michelle Obama proudced a film about Rustin and some of his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. Join us for a discussion about how Rustin's friendships shaped the Civil Rights Movement and ultimately led to significant Civil Rights legislation, and let us ask how our friendships might likewise change the world." - Dr. Barringer.
February 14th
What is Love?
Abstract
Join us for an informal discussion about all things Love led by the Steel Center faculty and ambassadors! Everyone is welcome and refreshment will be provided.
February 7th
A Hermeneutic Approach to Plato's Cave, featuring Nathan "Eric" Dickman, Professor of Philosophy at the University of the Ozarks.
Abstract
"I want to show that a close reading of the cave passage reveals it's not about escaping the cave. Instead, it's about returning to the cave and participating in the cave competition with the knowledge that it is the Sun and not the shadows that is the ultimate source of the experience. I use a hermeneutic scaffold of questions concerning what is on the lines of the text, between the lines, behind the lines, and beyond the lines. This scaffold helps us be open to appropriating meanings of the passage in contrast with what I call the "bootstrap and rescue readings" of the cave." - Dr. Nathan "Eric" Dickman
January 31st
Sodality of Harmless Drudges, featuring The Hendrix Philosophical Society
Abstract
Join us for a throwback discussion style that shaped what later became the Steel Center Wednesday Afternoon Discussions. The "Sodality of Harmless Drudges" initiated in 1979, were informal discussions led by Religious Studies and Philosophy Faculty based on grabbing a dictionary and choosing a word. Delighting in the joys of language and discussion they later transformed in to the Wednesday Afternoon Discussions we know today.
January 24th
Hello Kitty, Kawaii Culture, & Experiences from Japan, featuring Bergen Franklin, HDX '24
Abstract
A discussion on life in Japan as a study abroad student through the lens of Hello Kitty and Kawaii culture.
Fall 2023 Schedule
November 29th - CANCELED
Defining the Liberal Arts: Content, Context, and Purpose, featuring Dr. Karen Petersen, President of Hendrix College
Abstract
As we prepare for the next 150 years at Hendrix, how do we develop a shared understanding of our future as the premier residential liberal arts college in Arkansas? How does our definition of the liberal arts shape that understanding?
November 15th
Fake News and the Regulation of Speech on Social Media
Abstract
In the last few years, many have worried about online misinformation. What moral problems does online misinformation raise? Is "critical thinking" education a solution? What are the ethical costs and benefits of regulating "fake news" on social media?
November 8th
The Overlooked Injustices of Adoption
Abstract
Examining the intersections among adoption, foster care and the child welfare system more generally, along with the broader connections between these forms of "family policing" and the carceral logic endemic to all of them, I argue that adoption is far from the "win-win" it is often touted to be.
November 1st
Connecting to Nature: Why its Good for You, Your Community, and the Planet, featuring Dr. Jennifer Penner, Professor of Psychology & Dr. Carmen Merrick, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Abstract
Research suggests that connecting to nature can improve individual well-being, community connections, and conservation attitudes and behavior. We’ll review some of this research and then discuss tangible steps that students can take to enhance their connection to nature and engage with their community to promote conservation and sustainability.
October 25th
The Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians: Steel Center Afternoon Discussion featuring Visiting Scholar, Dr. Esther Mombo
Abstract
Kenyan theologian Dr. Esther Mombo discusses her work with the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians. This group interrogates how religious traditions, texts, and interpretations impact women while promoting perspectives that empower all genders and justice-loving communities.
October 18th
Navratri and Dashain: Celebrating the goodness, featuring Siya Pokharel (’27)
Abstract
Navratri, also known as Dashain in Nepal, is the celebration of goodness over evil in Hindu culture. In this discussion, we will learn about the ways in which this victory of goodness is celebrated, as well as the significance behind it. We will also discuss the difference between the celebration in India and Nepal.
October 4th
Taylor Swift and the Philosophy of Re-recording, featuring Brandon Polite, Assoc. Professor & Chair of Philosophy
Abstract
In 2019, Taylor Swift began producing near-duplicate re-recordings of her first six studio albums. One question these so-called “Taylor’s Versions” raise is whether they count as mere instances of the original albums, similar to how my copy of Jane Austen's Emma and yours are instances of the same novel; or whether they are instead distinct from the originals, similar to how the many film and television adaptations of Emma are distinct (though derivative) works of art based on the same story. Polite will argue that Taylor’s Versions are distinct from the original albums. In doing so, he will explore what Swift's re-recording project tells us about the nature of recorded music.
September 27th
The Barbie Movie: Baby’s First Feminism led by Aiyla East and Logan Ingram
Abstract
Join us to discuss the newly released Barbie Movie! We will meet to discuss the themes, references, strengths, and weaknesses of the movie as it relates to feminism and reflects the actions of the modern feminism movement. All thoughts and opinions are welcome as we gather to discuss how the movie of the year has influenced and disrupted society. Pink is not mandatory, but highly encouraged! Refreshments will be served.
September 22nd *FRIDAY DISCUSSION*
Sam King “Useful Friction” Ellis Hall Exhibitions Opening and Discussion hosted by the Steel Center - This event is free and open to the campus community and the public. Family Weekend Guests Welcome!
Artist Description
Useful Friction refers to the tension between intuitive and grid-based visual structures which drives the composition of my paintings, as well as the tension a viewer might feel when engaging paintings that do not represent familiar imagery. We tend to apply our perception for essential purposes: seeking food, shelter, safety, or pleasure, for example. With this habit as a default setting, perception for its own sake (or for some elusive end), might seem indulgent or unnecessary. I recognize metaphor in this contrast. Is a person’s value merely a reflection of their utility within a system, or can it be internally generated?
When I paint, I am pursuing meaningful relationships of color, line, shape, and material. My paintings are embodiments of experience: the passage of time, chance, change, and the formation and abandonment of habits. They are the results of a sustained program of improvisation. Paintings might be broken down and recombined over several years, with long intervals of time separating periods of focused work. There is metaphor in this, for me, as well. The self, in my view, is realized in negotiation with its context over time. It is a hub within a wider matrix of constantly changing connections.
The concept of useful friction applies as well to my guitar-based audio project, called Untight, in which I overlay harmonies produced using just intonation with the harmonies of standard, twelve tone equal temperament. Sometimes, notes using the two systems are similar enough that the listener would not notice any difference; other times, the notes beat against each other, creating a shimmering, sometimes disorienting sensation that is for many listeners not quite music, but not merely sound, either.
September 13th
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, How Jews Have a Sweet New Year, featuring Hendrix Hillel President, Josh Thomeczek
Abstract
Hendrix Hillel President Josh Thomeczek is giving a casual introduction to the Jewish New Year and the two holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, which give structure for Jews around the world to have a meaningful and prosperous year.
September 6th
Pluralism about the Liberal Arts