Current series
Spring 2024
The New Discourse on Oneness
The idea of oneness has emerged as an important concept within a growing number of scholarly debates. This series brings together a diverse group of leading thinkers to explore notions of oneness and to consider their implications for some of the pressing social and ethical questions we face today. Guided by the conviction that the principle of oneness contains rather than contradicts the robust expression of diversity, The New Discourse on Oneness invites dialogue across a wide spectrum of fields including physics and philosophy, history and ecology, as well as Black, Indigenous, Indian, and Chinese thought.
Current series
Spring 2024
The New Discourse on Oneness
The idea of oneness has emerged as an important concept within a growing number of scholarly debates. This series brings together a diverse group of leading thinkers to explore notions of oneness and to consider their implications for some of the pressing social and ethical questions we face today. Guided by the conviction that the principle of oneness contains rather than contradicts the robust expression of diversity, The New Discourse on Oneness invites dialogue across a wide spectrum of fields including physics and philosophy, history and ecology, as well as Black, Indigenous, Indian, and Chinese thought.
Current series
Spring 2024
Rural Transformations in the United States
The Rural Transformations series explores sustainable development in rural settings. In Spring 2024, it shifts focus to Rural America's role in climate commitments, emphasizing valuing rural knowledge, transcending traditional development models, empowering communities, and equipping producers. The goal is a future where Rural America thrives as a hub of climate-adaptive, vibrant communities, challenging historical urban-rural power dynamics
Past series
Spring 2023
Rural Transformations
This series explores the historical foundations, contemporary patterns, and possible transformations of the modern research university. Co-sponsored by New York University’s Institute for Public Knowledge and Columbia University’s Committee on Global Thought.
Past series
Spring 2023
Rural Transformations
Some of the most promising advances in sustainable and equitable development are taking place in rural contexts, where a diversity of actors are striving to transform food systems, incorporate local knowledge, strengthen climate resilience, and widen participation in the development process. The Rural Transformations series features conversations with leading thinkers learning from the forefront of these efforts. Together, they will help us reimagine the possibilities and future of rural transformation. Co-sponsored by Duke University’s Center for International Development.
Past series
2021-2022 series
Identity and Belonging in a Global Age
With the rise of tribalism and nationalism throughout the world, questions of collective identity and belonging have surged to prominence in recent years. Across numerous disciplines and discourses, a key dilemma has taken shape: how to reconcile the legitimate yearning for rootedness and locality, with the fluidity and porousness of an increasingly global age. This series brings together leading thinkers from a variety of perspectives to examine and reframe the crises of identity that confront us in a rapidly changing global age, and to think deeply about how humanity might resolve them. Sponsored by the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University, the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University, and COMIT.
Past series
2021-2022 series
On the Spiritual in Contemporary Architecture
This series explores how the material medium of architecture facilitates transcendent experiences. Each event features a virtual talk and visual presentation by a distinguished working architect, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Michael J. Crosbie. Sponsored by the Architecture, Culture and Spirituality Forum, the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University, the Institute for Public Knowledge at New York University, and COMIT.
Past series
2020-2021 series
The Liberal Imaginary and Beyond
The Liberal Imaginary and Beyond brought together leading thinkers to examine the origins, contents, and development of post-war liberalism, and to consider significant attempts to move beyond the resultant liberal imaginary without casting aside its impressive moral and political achievements. Sponsored by the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University, New York University’s Institute for Public Knowledge, and COMIT.