Socratic Debate Series

Proposed Agenda Item for Board of Trustees 2/28 Meeting

Purpose/Goal:

The New College of Florida is undergoing a historic and dynamic change. This change is an opportunity to chart a new course through the context of early 21st-century American Universities and Colleges.  The American University has generally and collectively fallen prey to a post-modern worldview.  This worldview has, among other things, sacrificed the truth on the altar of feelings and surrendered a unity of mission to the gods of relativism.  This capitulation has left students in a nihilistically weakened state of depression and anxiety.  It has also removed the ability to address the important questions about life, truth, and meaning on students' minds for fear of offending.  Because of this, American education has become less and less relevant in modern discourse.  

The 2023-2024 Inaugural Socratic Debate Series will provide an opportunity to rebuild relevance and separate New College of Florida as a leader in this endeavor.  New College will facilitate a constructive exchange of ideas and views on our nation's critical issues.  Topics from renowned subject matter experts on both sides of an issue will discuss and debate vital and contentious subjects. 

The Inaugural Socratic Debate Series will highlight an extraordinary lineup of notable public figures addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities in critical areas of national leadership. These unique opportunities will allow the New College of Florida community, especially students, to interact with and hear from prominent experts in varied fields on essential topics. The local Manatee and Sarasota communities will also be invited to be part of the discussion.

Anticipated Outcomes of the Socratic Debate Series:

·      Facilitate open and honest discussions on complex issues that our society no longer knows how to or is comfortable discussing.

·      Educate the students and community on the critical issues facing education, our country, and our freedom.

·      The Socratic Debates will offer an introductory overview of the kind of teaching at New College of Florida.

·      Raise awareness of New College of Florida for prospective students

·      Establish New College of Florida as a leader in the higher education community to courageously tackle complex issues.

·      Increase on-campus students' sense of community through a renewed unity of mission in pursuit of the truth.

Topics to include but not limited to:

·      Artificial Intelligence

·      Classical Education

·      Critical Race Theory

·      Defining Wokeness

·      Diversity Based-Education Programs

·      Impact of COVID-19 School Lockdowns

·      Mental Health

·      Scientific Morality of Particle Colliders

·      Scientific Morality of Genetic Modification of Plants, Animals, and Humans

·      Professor Tenure

·      Transgender Athletics

·      Research funding/workforce development

·      School Boards and Parents’ Rights

·      School Choice

Format:

·      Pre-event roundtable or reception with donors, sponsors, and underwriters

·      Welcome by Richard Corcoran – 5 minutes.

·      Introduction of moderator and guest speakers (two to three speakers)

·      Moderator discusses the topic and opens the discussion with the questions – 45 minutes

·      Questions from the audience (on cards during and in advance of the dialogue) – 20 minutes

·      Closing by Richard Corcoran – 3-5 minutes

Media:

It will be open to the media. No questions from the media in attendance, as this is for students and the community to participate. This is not a press availability. A possible press availability may be held around the event.

Speakers/Moderators:

At least two speakers at each session and a moderator to facilitate a productive discussion. Speaking fees and travel and lodging costs will be necessary to budget.

Guest speakers of the Socratic Debate Series will be selected based on their intellectual or professional distinction/recognition; originality of perspective and voice; dedication to open and free expression; respect for diverse viewpoints; and commitment to constructive dialogue on matters of conflict and controversy.

Dates:

The Socratic Debate Series will be held monthly--September to June--on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm ET. The first in the series will commence on April 11, 2023.

Locations:

Depending on capacity, the primary location will be in Sarasota at New College of Florida or a nearby location.

Audience/Guests:

Designed for a general audience of New College of Florida students, alumni, parents and friends, and other local students, as well as the Manatee and Sarasota communities.

Cost/Ticket Price:

All attendees will need to register in advance for the Socratic Debate Series. Current New College of Florida students can attend at no cost. The cost for alumni, parents, and friends of New College of Florida and the community will be $15.

Funding:

Initial funding will be provided by the New College of Florida operating budget. The goal is to get the Socratic Debate Series sustainable as we advance by securing underwriters and sponsors so the operating budget funds would not need to be utilized.

Budget:

Budget line items to include but not limited to:

·      Speaker travel, transportation, and lodging

·      Speaker fees

·      Event venue

·      Event rentals

·      Audio/visual

·      Food and beverage

·      Materials and printing

·      Event Staff

·      Security

Sponsors, Underwriters, Staff, and/or Consultants:

The goal is to identify and secure underwriters and sponsors for the Socratic Debate Series in the coming months. I would volunteer to lead the effort to find funding and begin the launch with a dedicated staff or consultant who will be secured to manage the series in partnership with Richard Corcoran.