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.  

Fall 2025 Schedule

October 3rd

Reporting on Religion and Democracy ft. Katherine Stewart (Investigative Journalist and Author)

When it comes to political reporting, religion is almost always in the room. Investigative Journalist, Katherine Stewart, will share her experiences and strategies for the story as well as navigating the challenges of the current political moment.

September 24th

Clinical Ethics: Doing Humanities in the Wild ft. Micah Hester (Chair of the Department of Medical Humanities & Bioethics and Clinical Ethicist - UAMS & Arkansas Children's Hospital)

Abstract

Many people believe that those who take humanities courses can only get jobs teaching humanities to high school and college students, but this is a far too narrow view of what a humanities education can lead to. One example of putting humanities education to a broader use is the profession of clinical ethics. This talk will describe the profession of clinical ethics, and how those with humanities education can be well-suited to become such professionals.

September 17th

Covid - 19 Effects on College Students ft. Sandra Ramirez (HDX '26)

Abstract

From the Antonine Plague, which contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire, to Covid-10, which has reshaped global society, pandemics have historically disrupted structures of civilization. Education has been no exception; throughout history, each pandemic has forced new adaptations to new ways of living and learning. On March 13, 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic abruptly disrupted daily life across the United States, forcing a sudden and unprecedented shift to only virtual interactions. Colleges and universities were compelled to rapidly adjust to preserve institutional operations and sustain academic continuity. In doing so, academic instruction became the primary focus, often at the expense of the broader student experience. Despite institutions' best efforts to keep students enrolled and progressing, a critical gap emerged. Leaving many students disconnected from the social and development aspects that traditionally define college life. This discussion will explore how Covid-19 led to shifts in academics, disruption in student identity, and varying experiences of disconnectedness, while also highlight how some student organizations forged stronger connections during this time.

September 10th

Ai in Education, ft. Dr. Leonard (Economics), Dr. Pruneda Senties (writing Center and Film Studies), and Dr. Yorgey (Computer Science).

Abstract

Join us for an afternoon discussion about the use of A.I. in education presented by a panel of faculty: Dr. Leonard (Economics), Dr. Pruneda Senties (writing Center and Film Studies), and Dr. Yorgey (Computer Science). We will discuss arguments for and against using A.I. tools in education with Dr. Dow (Philosophy) moderating.

Abstract

Spring 2025 Schedule

April 23rd

Interdisciplinarity as a Philosopher, ft. Aiyla East, Patty Logan, and Lillian Francis ('25)

Abstract

Have you taken a Philosophy class here at Hendrix and contemplating what it would be like to major in philosophy? Maybe you’ve heard that you can’t do anything with a Philosophy degree, or you are already planning on majoring in a different field. Why not do both? Hear from Philosophy major Seniors, each of whom have double majored in various fields, including Psychology, English, and Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, to learn more about incorporating a Philosophy major into your studies at Hendrix. We will be conducting an informal Q/A following a short layout of the current Major requirements and some of our favorite classes we’ve taken in the last few years, and how our double majors have prepared us for a life outside of undergrad. We hope to see you there and bring you over to the dark side! 

Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/9oOECXo9jY4

April 17th THURSDAY AFTERNOON DISCUSSION

Race and The Environment: A History of LULU's and NIMBY in Little Rock, Arkansas

Abstract

Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Little Rock Nine have a prominent and well-known place in the history of race and civil rights in the US. But racial discrimination has deep roots in the city and remains an ongoing source of inequity and discrimination against people of color. This discussion will present some of that history and how it continues to expose people of color to disproportionate environmental hazards long after the civil rights movement hoped to have achieved racial equality.

Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/tk4TXly_63E

April 16th

Religion Resold: Finding Material Religion in Conway's Secondhand Stores, ft. Dr. Corey's Anthropology of Religion Class

Abstract

What do Bible comic books, dreidels, word art, a baptism certificate, tarot cards, rosaries, and tapes on raising young Christian girls have in common? They're all part of the Material Religion exhibit curated by Dr. Corey's Anthropology of Religion class! Your peers have soured the thrift stores and flea markets in search of Conway's finest repurposed religious objects that loosely cohere around the theme of "Rearing Religious Families in Central Arkansas." Come learn and discuss with us as we consider how our purchases might help us think through the ways religion is mediated in Central Arkansas in 2025 (and 1991 and 1974 and 2005). Feel free to bring an object (religious or otherwise) that is meaningful to you!

Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/xTmz8jhsy_8

April 9th

Philosophy at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, ft. Barry Ward, Professor of Director of Graduate Studies

Abstract

The Philosophy Department at the U of A has ten regular tenured/tenure track professors, one teaching assistant professor, and several other research active teaching staff. We have strengths in a broad variety of areas including ethics, philosophy of psychology, epistemology, philosophy of religion, history of philosophy, and philosophy of science. We have both MA and PhD programs, an active population of graduate students, and we host talks by multiple prominent philosophers each year. In this talk, I hope to give good sense of what we have to offer to prospective grad students and anyone else with an interest in philosophy here in Northwest Arkansas.

Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/XW0teT7X994

March 19th

'Mors Certa, Hora Incerta'?: Philosophical Puzzles in Defining Death ft. Dr. Lauren Bunch

Abstract

Medically and legally speaking, there are two ways to die in the United States: Death by Circulatory Criteria (DCD) and Dead by Neurological Criteria (DND). Philosophically speaking, death is a bit more complicated. In this talk, I will provide an overview of the two definitions of death and then discuss some of the metaphysical, ethical, and practical puzzles that these definitions of death introduce.

Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/UMIsDd7kmj0

March 12th

Sequoyah National Research Center, ft. Erin Fehr

Abstract

Join us for an afternoon with Erin Fehr, Assistant Director and Archivist with the Seqouyah National Research Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Fehr will discuss details of what the Center offers, resources available to Hendrix students, staff, and faculty, how to connect with them, and more. You don't want to miss this awesome opportunity! Come visit, ask questions, and enjoy refreshments with us in Ellis Hall. 

Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/ryNQRs_GLMw

March 7th

LOCATING YOURSELF IN THE STORY: Finding Yourself in the History of American Dispossession of Indigenous Land, ft. Rebecca Clarren

Abstract

This discussion is part of a special lecture series led by Award Winning Author, and Visiting Altheimer Lecturer, Rebecca Clarren. More info can be found on the Steel Center Lectures and Special Events tab.

Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/ga9S5snypMs

February 26th

Hunting as Going Home, ft. Nathan Kowalsky, Associate Professor of Philosophy at St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta

Abstract

"Why hunt? This question is not often asked of hunters. Rather, the more common question is why hunting is not immoral. In this presentation, then, I want to explore some of the positive reasons why I, a religious and environmental philosopher, hunt. Broadly, I hunt to go home. But I do not mean this in a literal sense (although that sense is also true). I mean it in ecological, anti-industrial, anthropological, and anti-colonial senses. Each of these have religious dimensions, but in this talk I will focus on the philosophical dimensions and how I might tie them together." - Dr. Nathan Kowalsky

Zoom recording: https://youtu.be/Z3X5jGiUprY

February 5th - CANCELLED, TO BE RESCHEDULED, MORE INFO TO COME SOON

Transgender Issues in Sports, ft. Terri Bonebright, Professor of Psychology

Abstract

Transgender athlete participation in sports competitions is a controversial topic that highlights the issues of fairness, injury, and discrimination in women’s sports. One recent example involves Lia Thomas, a transwoman swimmer, who won the NCAA swimming championship in 2022 and who recently lost a legal battle to participate in the Summer Olympics in Paris in 2024. Another example occurred in November of 2024, when five athletes filed a lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference due to a transwoman volleyball player on the San Jose State University women’s volleyball.  These athletes claim that their Title IX rights are being violated. Additionally, congress has been wrestling with the issue when the House passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would ban transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports if their sex assigned at birth is male. It would withhold funding from schools that violate this rule under Title IX. However, these issues have been evident in women’s sports much earlier through women athletes who have disorders of sexual development. Our discussion will focus on understanding the different perspectives about transgender athletes and evaluating the current proposals to address these issues in women’s sports. 

January 29th 

Essential Competencies and How to Thrive @ the UALR Bowen School of Law

Abstract

Join us for an engaging panel discussion with representatives from the Bowen School of Law. All are welcome! Whether you're considering a career in law, already on the pre-law track, or just curious about the legal profession, this discussion will provide you with key information and offers an opportunity to connect with legal scholars on campus. And... you can enjoy some refreshments in Ellis Hall. 

Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/NrjxJegI6_E