What are Democratic Virtues?

Invitation to a Heterodox Libraries event

Craig Gibson/Professor & Professional Development Coordinator/The Ohio State University Libraries

We frequently now read and hear about the need for speaking and listening across “lines of difference” in this very polarized country—in culture, politics, and in social discourse.   It’s become something of a staple, in fact, to hear calls for renewing civil discourse and to overcome the affective polarization that many polls tell us is driving citizens apart.   Many of us also know from direct experience just what the divide looks like and feels like, in our communities and in our workplaces.  We’re increasingly seeing calls for a return to civic virtues—real virtues, instead of “virtue signaling”, as discussed in this article,  Virtue signaling isn’t same as virtue — it actually furthers partisan divide by Christopher Beem of Penn State University.

We in HxLibraries are pleased to announce that Chris Beem will be a guest speaker about the great challenge of championing civic virtues in the midst of all the political differences and cultural debates of this time, of creating and sustaining what he calls the “democratic virtues”.  Chris is Managing Director of Penn State’s McCourtney Institute for Democracy, and Associate Research Professor of Political Science there. He will speak about the main themes of his recently published book, The Seven Democratic Virtues: What You Can Do to Overcome Tribalism and Save Our Democracy.   We anticipate a lively discussion with Chris about this timely book and how it might help all of us think more clearly about the virtues needed to become better professionals and citizens.  

You’re invited, please join us in this important discussion! 

Date: November 17

Time: 4 pm (Eastern)

Registration: Registration is now closed.

Watch: HxLibraries Fall Symposium 2022: Democratic Virtues with Chris Beem, PhD (35 mins.)