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 2024 Schedule
December 4th
Transforming Lives: Yoga, Justice, and the Ethics of Incarceration, ft. Nicole Hellthaler, MPS, RYT, Executive Director of Prison Yoga Project
Abstract
Join Nicole as she discusses the mission of Prison Yoga Project: transforming lives of incarcerated individuals through yoga and mindfulness. She will delve into the cultural shift toward restorative justice over punishment and address the complex realities of working within -and beyond- systems of incarceration.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/wMB0TnERxfI
November 20th
Indigenous Perspectivism and Anthropocene Religion, ft. Michael Norton, Professor of Philosophy & Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Abstract
Despite what its name might suggest, the "Anthropocene" epoch is a time when humans have been radically decentered in our view of the world around us as we are forced to face one environmental crisis after another. Dr. Michael Norton argues that looming climate catastrophe reveals traditional Western concepts of religion to be untenable and that building a new understanding of religion is a necessary part of facing this catastrophe. In this talk, he will discuss how Eduardo Viveiros de Castro's account of Indigenous American ontology can inform an ecological approach to religion.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/S6e9jeym_vk
November 13th
What Can A.I. Do? ft. Jamie Dow, Hendrix Professor of Philosophy and Steel Center Director
Abstract
In conversations about the possibility of artificial intelligence, philosophers tend to ask whether computers and robots possess consciousness, cognition, or intellect. However, such a view of intelligence is grounded in an enlightenment conception of rationality. If we ask What Can A.I. Do? and focus on agency as grounded in the body and bodily movements that are vulnerable, then does this change the questions about the possibility of artificial intelligence.
No Zoom Recording
November 6th
Imagination as a Political Act: Solarpunk Visions of Hendrix College, ft. Owen Edgington, HDX '25
Abstract
How can imagination serve us as a catalyst for reimagining education and enacting social change? In this discussion, we'll delve into the solarpunk ethos- envisioning regenerative, just futures- and explore its applications for transforming our educational landscape. What would Hendrix look like as a space where learning is student-led, ecologically integrated, and collaborative? How might such a vision challenge traditional hierarchies and foster active engagement with community and environment? Join us as we consider the role of imagination in reshaping our collective educational futures.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/ab_mFdl5EAg
October 30th
Horror as Healing, ft. Dr. Celeste Reeb, Assistant Professor of English & Film Studies
Abstract
If horror is meant to scare us, poke, and prod at our deepest fears, and haunts us well beyond our reading or viewing experience, can it be healing? How can a mode of storytelling built on distress open us up to feelings of belonging, empowerment, and validation. In this talk, Dr. Celeste Reeb discusses the important role horror plays in personal and community spaces. Horror as an affective genre makes it possible to confront the messiness of the human condition and process intense emotions.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/Y9prD74iuRM
October 23rd
The Sodality of Harmless Drudges: A Throwback Style Discussion, ft. Steel Center Ambassadors
Abstract
In the early days of the Steel Center, faculty and students would gather in the Raney Building common area each Friday afternoon. They would open the dictionary, choose a random word, and have meaningful conversations based on their random choice. They deemed these discussion hours, "The Sodality of Harmless Drudges". Over the years, this informal gathering transitioned into what is now our weekly Wednesday Afternoon Discussions, with carefully chosen topics and a slightly more formal approach. Steel Center discussions have been taking place on Hendrix campus for more than forty years. Join us Wednesday for a throwback discussion hour led by Steel Center Ambassadors to revisit our roots and come together for a retro discussion format that promises to be a little quirky and a lot of fun.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/pBfiZcdyh9Q
October 9th
African Cultural Products and the Manifestation of Power, ft. David Kamanga (HDX '27), Steel Center Ambassador
Abstract
This discussion is a reflection of British colonialism's impact on how African Cultural Products represented and expressed power and other abstract concepts through culturally significant visual mediums.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/eQNg1hkqkLA
October 2nd
Bridges Across Harkrider: How to Disintegrate the Student-Athlete, ft. Dr. Chris Campolo, Professor of Philosophy
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/P7g_t8lf1uY
FRIDAY, September 27th
“Matter” Ellis Hall Exhibit Opening and Discussion
Abstract
Join us for the opening of “Matter,” an art exhibit that explores the concept of material culture in our daily lives. The event will take place Friday, September 27th from 4 to 5 pm. Material culture illustrates the connection between humans and the environment through the objects we find meaningful. Student curator Sydney Austen will lead a discussion of the works and introduce participants. This event is open to the Hendrix community and the public. Families welcome! For more information, click here.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/TtsRszo-NRs
September 18th
Bridges Across Harkrider: What is the problem of the athlete-non-athlete divide at Hendrix?
Abstract
Join a student-driven, informal, open discussion.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/TtsRszo-NRs
September 11th
Bridges Across Harkrider: How Microeconomics Can Be Observed in the Professional Sports Labor Market ft. Dr. William Haden Chomphosy, Hendrix Associate Professor of Economics & Business
Abstract
This talk establishes theoretical market principles associating worker productivity and worker compensation. Using this theoretical foundation, we will discuss how the real-world labor market in professional sports can both validate and contradict those theoretical arguments.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/n8yMq2WeOOQ
September 4th
Building Team Hendrix ft. Dr. Deb Skok, Hendrix Professor of US History
Abstract
In this discussion, Dr. Skok will introduce the "Bridges Across Harkrider" series, provide brief historical context for understanding the evolution of modern sports, and lead an audience-centered discussion and brainstorming session at Ellis Hall for how we can enhance social interaction between the East and West sides of Hendrix Campus.
Zoom Recording: https://youtu.be/eNyENhPFkOI