The problem of relativism has presented itself ever since Herodotus introduced his readers to the astounding variety of religious beliefs and moral judgements among the human race. In this seminar series we will consider relativism in relation to two questions. First, is relativism ultimately the reality of the human condition, or are there realities and moral norms that we can discern as objectively true? And second, is there a way to maintain robust philosophical, religious, and moral convictions in a way that navigates between relativism and ideology? Join Morningside for discussions led by Dr. Katja Vogt (Columbia), Dr. Richard John (Columbia), Dr. Michele Moody-Adams (Columbia), Dr. Matthew Rose (Morningside), and Dr. Nathaniel Peters (Morningside).

The second seminar in the series will be a dinner discussion with Dr. Richard John (Columbia) on two essays from Isaiah Berlin’s Crooked Timber of Humanity, "The Decline of Utopian Ideas in the West" and "The Apotheosis of the Romantic Will: The Revolt against the Myth of an Ideal World." The event will take on Thursday, October 28, and is open to undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates. Invite a friend, and we hope you can join us!