University of Dallas

Lectures

Throughout the year, the University of Dallas and the Braniff Graduate School of Liberal Arts hosts exceptional guest lecturers and distinguished faculty members on thought-provoking topics within the Western tradition. Prominent scholars have spoken on Homer, Aristophanes, Aristotle, Plato, Dante, St. Thomas Aquinas, Locke, Tocqueville and Leo Strauss, to name a few.

In an effort to facilitate deep engagement with the ideas of the works of great thinkers, the University of Dallas provides the recordings of past events for all who wish to continue the cultivation of their minds or to supplement a liberal arts education.

Three Visions of Excellence Louise Cowan, Leo Strauss, & Jacob Klein on Liberal Education Date: March 22, 2012 Description: A lecture by Dr. Christopher Lynch of Carthage College.

The Pleasures of Philosophizing & its Moral Foundations Date: March 15, 2012 Author: James Carey Description: The Braniff Graduate Student Association (BGSA), along with the Politics and Philosophy Departments and the Dean of the Braniff Graduate School, are honored to welcome James Carey to give the BGSA second annual lecture.

Eugene McDermott Lectureship In 1974, the university established the Eugene McDermott Lectureship, an endowed lecture series created in honor of Eugene McDermott, the late scientist, businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist.

Ancients and Moderns Did Leo Strauss Exaggerate the break Date: April, 2011 Description: A Politics Faculty Roundtable, featuring Leo Paul de Alvarez, Jonathan Culp, Richard Dougherty, Tiffany Jones Miller, and Thomas G. West, discuss whether Leo Strauss exaggerated the break between Ancient and Modern thinkers.

Aristophanes' Critique of the Gods Date: March 18, 2011 Description: Wayne Ambler of the University of Colorado at Boulder explores Aristophanes’ hilariously radical, but yet not atheistic, critique of the gods in three of Aristophanes' comedies—Peace, Wealth, and especially Birds—which feature mortal heroes who find fault with Zeus, challenge his authority, and even prove victorious over him.

Is Man the Measure of All Things? Plato's Analysis of Relativism Date: November 19, 2011 Author: Matthew K. Davis Description: The Braniff Graduate Student Association (BGSA) invites Matthew K. Davis of St. John's in Santa Fe, New Mexico to speak at the 1st Annual BGSA Lecture.

The Scandal of Dante's Catholicism - Part I Date: March 18, 2009 The Scandal of Dante's Catholicism - Part II Date: March 23, 2009 Author: Robert Hollander Description: Dr. Robert Hollander visits the University of Dallas to give two lectures.

The Poetic Imagination & Education The Continuing Influence of Louise S. Cowan Date: March 22-23, 2007 Description: Alumni of the IPS gather along with its founder, Dr. Louise S. Cowan, to articulate the centrality of imagination to their various disciplines in the pursuit and expression of wisdom. Includes a major address by Dr. Cowan.