Colloquium held at the University

The Department of Philosophy & Religious Studies held their first colloquium of the year on Nov. 24 for the inauguration of The Center for Ethical Thinking. The Dept. of Philosophy & Religious Studies and the Pforzheimer Honors College co-sponsored the inaugural colloquium.

To preview what the event entailed, the online advertisement included inquiries that the Center for Ethical Thinking would discuss such as, "What is the role of ethics in contemporary society? What is Ethical Thinking?
How do we incorporate ethical thinking in other academic disciplines as well as in our professional and social lives? How does the environmental crisis prompt a reevaluation of ethical principles and the place of humans in the world?"

It added, "The Center for Ethical Thinking will be engaging with these questions with the intention of serving the Pace community as a conceptual resource aiming at practical solutions."

The panelists included Director of the Center for Ethical Thinking and Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Environmental studies Dr. Ilan Safit, Department of Sociology and Anthropology Chair Dr. Roger Salerno, Dept. of Philosophy & Religious Studies Alumna Ms. Theresa Frey and Dept. of Philosophy & Religious Studies major and junior Jake Jackson.

The panel was set up starting with a deep philosophical presentation then it transitioned to real life situations that are applicable to daily life experiences.

The range and depth of philosophical discussion was so that all members of the audience who were involved with philosophy or not can relate to "thinking ethically" and show that it is universal.

Following Dr. Salerno's introduction of the panelists, Dr. Safit opened discussing ethics and how he has applied them to his class' curriculum this semester.

Dr. Safit also referenced Philosophy & Religious Studies Chair Dr. Harold Brown's professor and mentor Hans Jonas. Dr. Safit quoted Jonas stating, "The first thing about being human is being responsible." Jonas also related his ideas to Cartesian beliefs and said, "Responsibility is always shared throughout humanity."

In his conclusion, Dr. Safit stated, "Responsibility takes on many forms such as suffering throughout the world, responsibility towards colleagues and students [providing concepts and analyzing them] throughout the University."

Frey gave her presentation on thinking ethically with the simple act of walking in New York City. She discussed how walking has a rhythm and speed in which ethical thinking takes place.

Frey closed her speech and said, "We should ask ourselves what is our role in this world? What should be our role? Walking is an ethical issue."

After Frey gave her presentation Jackson gave his presentation and said that he was appalled by the lack of ethical thinking. He shared his experience at a West Point convention on ethics. Jackson also made it apparent the military and civilian ethics are very different.

Jackson later stated, "Ethics is a constant process to find morals." At the closing of Jackson's speech and said, "We are at a crucial turning point in history. There should never be a point when we are finished with ethics."

Dr. Salerno closed the event by highlighting the difference between philosophy and sociology. He said, "Most Americans don't believe much in ethical thinking. [Sociologists] do no talk about values explicitly." He also added that he "found the presentations enlightening."

If you are interested in learning more about the ethics programs offers visit their office location in 41 Park Row, 7th floor.