Dialogue Initiative

Each day and with nearly every conversation, one sees either unwillingness or lack of skill in how to engage in productive, civil dialogue about issues that matter. The Department of Philosophy and Religion has long trained students in how to approach, analyze, and discuss the most contentious issues ranging from questions of personal religious belief to ethical practice and living to social policy implementation. Many alumni from our department have applied these skills in unique ways to various areas of specialization, and we see them as a unique resource for our current students and the community. Our range of Dialogue Initiative events provide an educational resource for such specialized content as well as models offered by current UM students for how to engage in civil conversations about the most contentious issues of our time. To be notified about future events, email: ethics@olemiss.edu.

2022 Events:

Policy Talks
Big Data and Tech in Delivery of Healthcare in Rural America

Thursday, April 21
1:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Bryant Hall, Room 111

Panelists of alumni, UM faculty, and community leaders discuss various policy proposals on the topic.
For more information and to Register for the Policy Talks event, visit https://philosophy.olemiss.edu/policytalks/.

Just Conversations

Tuesday, March 29, 2022
5:30 p.m.
Bryant Hall, Gallery

The news is full of hot-button issues and talking heads are hot-headed. Come join students from the UM Ethics Bowl Team and Ethical Policy Debates class for food, beverages, and low-key conversation on two issues in small groups. It’s just conversation; no pressure! This is a fun event run by students for students to explore ethical issues (Justice, anyone!?) and to think about potential solutions through collaborative discussion.

Event is Limited to 50 students to ensure small group discussions. Please RSVP by 5:00 pm on Monday, March 28^th so we can be sure to have enough seating and food for all! You’ll receive an email confirmation of your registration. For assistance related to a disability, contact philosophy@olemiss.edu or 662-915-7020

Extra credit forms will be available.

Sponsored by: Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Hume Bryant Chair of Ethics and Dept. of Philosophy & Religion

2021 Events:

The Great Debate 2021

CLICK HERE to learn more about The Great Debate

Just Conversations – 2021

Monday, October 25, 2021
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Bryant Hall, Gallery

This is a fun event run by students for students to explore ethical issues (Justice, anyone!?) and to think about potential solutions through collaborative discussion.

Limited to 80 students to ensure small group discussions. Please RSVP by 5:00 pm on Friday, October 22^nd so we can be sure to have enough seating and food for all!

Extra credit forms available.

2019 Events:

Dialogue Initiative: The Great Debate (click for more info)

Date: April 4th

Location: Bryant Hall, Rm. 209

Time: 5:30 pm with reception to follow in the Bryant Gallery at 7:00 pm

Resolution Question: “Should prior actions, once discovered, disqualify an individual from holding a position of moral leadership?”

Dialogue Initiative: Just Conversations (click for more info)

Date: April 25

Location: Bryant Gallery

Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm

Student led, guided conversation in groups on an Ethics Bowl case over appetizers and drinks.

Dialogue Initiative: Policy Talks (click for more info)

Date: April 26

Location: Bryant Hall, Rm. 209

Time: 5:30 pm with reception to follow in the Bryant Gallery at 7:00 pm

Topic: Religious Freedom Laws

6 panelists of alumni, UM faculty, and community leaders discuss various policy proposals on the topic.

Poverty Simulations (click for more info).

Dates: October 24th and 31st

Location: Student Union 323

Times: 8am – 11am and 2pm – 5pm