News & Publications
Business Friends of St. John's College Sponsor Fourth Annual Seminar for Local Leaders
FOR RELEASE: October 9, 2008
CONTACT: Patricia Dempsey 410-626-2539
Patricia.Dempsey@sjca.edu
"Truth, rhetoric, and influence" is the theme of the fourth annual seminar sponsored by the Business Friends of St. John's College for local business and community leaders as well as elected officials. This year the reading is Hannah Arendt's "Truth and Politics." This 37-page essay, which explores rhetoric, opinion, politics, and truth, will be discussed in two sessions, held in the Hodson Conference Room of Mellon Hall and adjacent classrooms. Session I is on November 12, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Session II is on November 19, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by dinner at the home of St. John's College President Christopher Nelson. Both sessions will be preceded by refreshments. St. John's tutors and President Nelson will lead the seminars.
Arendt (1906-1975) was a German-Jewish political philosopher who addressed questions through the lens of history. Arendt's references to past philosophers and her use of examples from history are enlightening. Early on in "Truth and Politics" Arendt asks: "Is it of the very essence of truth to be impotent and of the very essence of power to be deceitful? And what kind of reality does truth possess if it is powerless in the public realm?"
Fees: The cost of the series is $195. This includes the seminar, the reading, refreshments, and dinner at the college president's home.
Registration: Space is limited; early registration is suggested. Registration available here. For more information contact Alice Chambers: alice.chambers@sjca.edu or 410 295-5544.