Political Science Department to Host Lecture on Pluralism
Lee University will welcome Drs. Matthew Dinan, Mark Scully, and Joseph Wysocki on Friday, Sept. 26, at 5:30 p.m. for a lecture titled, “E Pluribus Unum: Understanding Pluralism in American Democracy.” The event, hosted by Lee’s Department of History, Political Science and Humanities, will be held in the Rose Lecture Hall in the Helen DeVos College of Education.
The lecture will consider the delicate balance of the American democratic system, and how peaceful dissonance between opposing political forces can be reconciled and used for the greater good of the nation.
“At its core, the question of pluralism is central to our regime,” said Dr. Thomas Pope, assistant professor of political science. “Our political institutions are dedicated to preserving and promoting diversity of opinion among the citizenry, but there must also be a unifying doctrine or code that binds us together as a single nation.”
Dinan is a professor of political philosophy at College of the Holy Cross. He has published two articles based upon Jacques Derrida’s friendship and dialogue with Socrates and is currently at work on his forthcoming book, “Jacques Derrida’s Democratic Future for Political Philosophy.”
Scully, an assistant professor of political science at the University of the Ozarks, received his PhD in political science in 2014. While earning his doctorate at Baylor, Scully received the Richard D. Huff distinguished doctoral student in political science award.
Wysocki is an assistant professor in the Department of Government and Political Philosophy at Belmont Abbey College, where he has taught since 2010. Earning his PhD in 2013, Wysocki’s dissertation revolved around the contribution of rhetoric, both positively and negatively, to the institutional health of congress.
“This is the first opportunity that we’ve had to invite not just one, but a panel of speakers to reflect on such an important issue to American politics,” added Pope. “I appreciate the progression of perspectives that these scholars will provide, moving from the theory, to history, to contemporary practice.”
The event is sponsored by the Charles Koch Foundation, established in 1980 by Charles G. Koch in order to advance social progress and well-being through the study and advancement of economic freedom.
Everyone is welcome to attend the lecture, and refreshments will be served following the event.
For more information, contact the Department of History, Political Science and Humanities at 423-614-8137.
