Summer Program in Philosophy
The HCSPiP Presents a Keynote Talk at the Conference in Pedagogical Innovation by
Randall Curren
Professor of Philosophy, University of Rochester
Monday, July 11, 2022, 4pm
The Red Pit, Kirner-Johnson Building
Cultivating Civic Friendship
This paper addresses the cultivation of civic friendship on university campuses and the extent to which efforts to promote character development and inter-group contact on these campuses is, or could be, beneficial for the civic culture of the institutions and the larger society. Key questions include: What contributes to the formation of civic friendship and what undermines it? What efforts do universities make to promote inter-group understanding, trust, and willingness to work together for the greater good? What are the limitations of their ability to shape student culture in ways favorable to civic friendship? Where is there room for improvement?