The Great Conversation: Engaging Young Aspen 2012
The Perils and Pleasures of Democracy
Is American Democracy an adequate vehicle for achieving The Good Life? A democratic culture flourishes in proportion to the quality of its public discourse and the capacity of its citizens and institutions to foster thoughtful dialogue and deliberate actions. What are the values and habits that inform civil discourse? How do we think about our own roles as responsible and engaged members of a good society? This series of Great Conversations will consider the theory and practice of civil discourse, exploring its shape from the American Founding to the present day, using the Aspen Institute’s classic method of text-based dialogue.
Specific topics will include Toleration and Civility; the Foundations of Civil Society; Creativity and Change; Technology and Community; the Arts and Democratic Culture and Religion and National Identity.
This series will be limited to participants 25-45 years of age, and will foster lively discussions on timely topics using classic readings to gain historical perspective on issues we are facing today.
Dates: Thursdays, January 12, 26, February 9, 23, March 8, 22 at 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Aspen Institute Koch Building.
Fee: $210 ($190 for donors) includes readings.
Moderators:
Jon Peacock, Pitkin County Manager, teaches courses at the University of Colorado, Denver School of School of Public Affairs and has taught Political Science and Public Administration at the University of Wyoming. He holds a Master's degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and has experience in local government and nonprofit organizations on the western slope.
Steven Wickes recently retired from the staff of the Aspen Institute and is an experienced moderator. A longtime Aspenite, he has experience in both the business and nonprofit sectors of the Roaring Fork Valley. Wickes is a vocal champion of one of the founding ideals of the Aspen Institute: to encourage individuals to pause and reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good life and a good society.