Knox College Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue Hosts Truth Matters with Cornel West and Robert P. George

Knox College’s Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue will host an evening discussion with Cornel West and Robert P. George. West is a progressive philosopher, social activist, and public intellectual, and the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. George, a conservative legal theorist, is the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and the Director of the James Madison Program in American Principles and Ideals at Princeton University. 

“I can’t imagine a more timely topic or distinguished guests to bring to our community to model the power of difficult and constructive dialogue," said Knox President C. Andrew McGadney. “It is our obligation as an institution to expose our students to a variety of perspectives and encourage collaborative and respectful exchange of ideas.”

Over the years, West and George have developed a strong friendship despite their deep and fundamental disagreements on important issues. Their conversation will explore themes from their recent co-authored book, Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division. In that book, they discuss their disagreements on a range of social issues, and they reflect on the social conditions required for truth seeking.

The discussion will be moderated by Associate Professor of Political Science Thomas Bell, who serves as the inaugural director of the Etz Family Institute.

“We are thrilled to have Cornel West and Robert George join the Knox and Galesburg community,” Bell said. “This is a marquee event that demonstrates the kinds of conversations we want to have at Knox with guests of such high esteem. It's a great opportunity to engage people with fruitful public conversation regarding issues of public significance both nationally and globally. Such programming is also in line with Knox’s history of public engagement, including its hosting of the Fifth Lincoln-Douglas Debate.”

Bell also noted that Central Congregational Church, near campus, is a perfect location for the event, and expressed gratitude for the congregation’s hospitality and willingness to host. 

“Beyond the beauty of the sanctuary, Central Congregational has a powerful history as an abolitionist congregation,” Bell said.”It’s also right on the town square and just a block from campus, which we hope will create a hospitable space for the larger Galesburg community to join us.”  

The event is free and open to the Knox and Galesburg communities. 

The Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue, launched in fall 2024 through the vision and generosity of former Knox College Board Chair Tony Etz ’83 and Nancy Etz, prepares students to bridge differences and engage in constructive dialogue for lasting, positive change.

Through fellowships, immersive student experiences, faculty research, and an annual lecture series, the Institute equips students with the skills for thoughtful engagement and collaborative problem-solving on critical issues.