The university is the place where a student is afforded the expansive freedom to think. Abundant resources are devoted to maintaining this distinctive ecosystem for thought – that which was sometimes pejoratively called the ivory tower. But why? To put the question in a humanistic way: what makes an intellectual life a good life? What are the intellectual habits that one needs to cultivate in order to become a good citizen? And what are the intellectual vices that lead to corruption?

Join us for this first Food For Thought module of the year wherein we will explore the merits of the intellectual life and its relation to the active life. By discussing past and present texts and evaluating contemporary scenarios, we also will consider how to develop judgment for discerning between virtues and vices that so often mirror each other.

Food for Thought is cosponsored by Harrison College House and Penn’s Program for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society.

Dates: September 7, 14, 21, & 28

Time: 6:00 PM-7:00 PM. Dinner is available at 5:45 PM.

Location: Harrison College House, University of Pennsylvania

Registration: This program is open to all current students in University City. To RSVP, please click the button below.