Screenshot courtesy New College of Florida

Last weekend's Socratic Stage Dialogue Symposium at New College of Florida, co-hosted with the Global Liberty Institute, served as a beacon of hope in an increasingly polarized world. Reflecting on the symposium held alongside an esteemed collaborator Dr. Scott Atlas, where more than a dozen preeminent scholars and over 200 attendees engaged in wide-ranging discussion and debate.

The symposium stood as a refreshing oasis of civil exchange in an era where echo chambers and ideological divisiveness often dominate public discourse. One of the most remarkable aspects of the symposium was the diverse array of perspectives represented on stage. Experts from disparate fields — humanities, law, public health, economics and beyond — converged to engage in thoughtful debate and exchange of ideas. This diversity enriched the discussions and challenged participants to reexamine their beliefs and assumptions.

Of course, such conversations are not without their challenges. There were moments of heated debate and disagreement, as one would expect when passionate individuals come together to grapple with complex issues. Yet, what truly distinguished this event was the prevailing spirit of mutual respect and intellectual curiosity that infused every discussion.

In an age where cancel culture and intellectual intolerance threaten to stifle dissenting voices, the symposium served as a powerful reminder of the importance of robust debate and open inquiry in academia. It reaffirmed New College’s commitment to upholding the principles of free speech and academic freedom, even — and especially — when confronted with ideas that may challenge our beliefs.

One of the most pressing concerns facing liberal arts schools across America today is the alarming number of graduates who receive diplomas without ever having their beliefs challenged. This issue has been simmering for years, quietly eroding the foundation of rigorous education. If students are shielded from opposing viewpoints and never compelled to defend their beliefs in the crucible of debate, can they truly claim to have undergone a thorough intellectual journey?

The closing keynote address from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at the symposium underscored the significance of civil discourse as a cornerstone of higher education. His remarks reaffirmed the state's commitment to fostering an environment where grappling with tough questions and respectfully contesting contrary viewpoints are integral to the educational experience.

At New College, we actively work to ensure the rigorous educational development of thoughts and beliefs paired with an ardent ability to defend them. Our students have unparalleled access to faculty, working in partnership on everything from class schedules to exemplary undergraduate research projects. The undergraduate theses of New College graduates are dissected by faculty committees and defended by the student with the vigor seen in many colleges’ graduate degree programs.

Outside of daily classes, we offer programming like our Socratic Stage Dialogue Series, which this weekend’s symposium was part of, putting experts in the spotlight to debate contemporary and historic matters of public interest. 

When I first came to New College in early 2023, holding events like Saturday’s symposium was one of my goals. Now I hope to see the demand for more of them outgrow the Sainer Auditorium and command a larger space on campus or perhaps even a shift to larger venues within the Sarasota community.

If you didn’t have the opportunity to join us last weekend, you can view each expert panel and the Governor’s remarks in our Socratic Stage Archives.

In closing, I urge my fellow academics and university leaders to join me in embracing civil discourse as a guiding principle of our institutions. Let us continue to champion the free exchange of ideas, even - and especially - when it challenges us to think differently. Only then can we hope to fulfill the true promise of higher education: to seek truth, foster understanding, and ultimately, to make the world a better place.

Richard Corcoran is President of New College of Florida.

Screenshot courtesy New College of Florida

Socratic Stage Archives