The Society of Philosophers in America (SOPHIA) to Host Symposium

Bryant Hall on the campus of Ole Miss

The symposium is free and open to the public

Oxford, Miss. – The Society of Philosophers in America (SOPHIA) will host the symposium “Should Everyone Go to College” on the first floor of Bryant Hall on the Oxford campus of The University of Mississippi on Friday, Nov. 1st at 3 p.m.

The idea for this symposium grew out of the debate arising from the 2012 Presidential campaigns. President Obama called for all Americans to complete one year of post-secondary education. Governor Romney expressed concerns about such a call and explained that his plans focused on the avoidance of debt and on job creation. Participants will then discuss the many questions that philosophers can help to tease out of a debate about whether all Americans should go to college.

“We want to encourage more dialogue about this issue,” said Dr. Eric Weber, executive director of SOPHIA. “We hope that this symposium will allow scholars, educators, community members, parents, and students to voice their opinions.”

The symposium is expected to last for three hours with an intermission and will feature panelist presentations during the first session. The second session will feature conversation about the central questions of the symposium. Among them, we will examine ways of advising young adults and parents of students about higher education. Refreshments will be served during the intermission.

The panelists for the symposium include: Dr. Tommy Curry from Texas A&M University, Dr. Bertha Manninen from Arizona State University, Dr. Chris Surprenant from The University of New Orleans and Dr. Amy Wells Dolan from The University of Mississippi.

For more information on the SOPHIA symposium visit the website http://www.philosophersinamerica.com/college.html. If you have needs related to disability or other questions, contact Dr. Eric Weber at etweber@olemiss.edu.