What is truth? And why does it matter?
This was the foundational question discussed by Cornel West, the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary, and Robert P. George, the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, in their dialogue, Truth Matters: Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division. Thomas Bell, associate professor of political science and director of the Etz Family Institute moderated the event, which was hosted at Galesburg’s Central Congregational Church on Thursday, January 29.
The dialogue was the second community event hosted by the Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue since its founding in May 2024, thanks to a generous gift from Tony Etz ’83 and Nancy Etz. The Institute prepares students to work across differences and have the difficult dialogues necessary to create lasting and positive change in the world.
West and George engaged in a lively discussion, emphasizing virtues such as courage, love, wisdom, honesty, and compassion in front of nearly 500 of members of the Knox and Galesburg communities.
“Unless we are open to dialogue and discussion to change, we will constantly be reinforced in what we already believe,” George said. “We’ll be reinforced in what we believe to be true, and we’ll also be reinforced in what we believe is also false.”
West and George answered questions from Bell and the audience on topics including truth, community, activism, political movements, and the next generation’s impact through engagement. They referenced historical figures, including Knox and Galesburg founder George Washington Gale and others, and encouraged attendees to help foster compromise and civil discussion amid current political and civil challenges.
“I’m certain tonight’s program is a shining example of Tony and Nancy’s vision of what they hope for with the creation of this institute,” said President C. Andrew McGadney in his welcome remarks.