It’s Complicated: The Histories Behind What We Think We Know
We all know that the world is complicated and that people disagree about many things. It is easy to lose track, however, of just how complicated things are. Every day we make use of ideas, take sides in debates, and rely on historical narratives, but in doing so we can ignore the complex histories that shaped those ideas, sides, and narratives.
The Gutenberg College Community classes for 2021-2022 will dive into some of these histories in hope of shedding light on the ways we think now. In each class, a Gutenberg tutor or community member will select a topic based on their particular passions and expertise, and he or she will complicate the issue by looking at its history in some way.
Perhaps there were rival accounts of it, and one killed off the other. Perhaps the idea in view has mutated over time. Perhaps what is now seen as good was once seen as bad. Perhaps the deep disagreements in a contemporary debate come from the differing historical traditions adopted by each side.
This series will examine an eclectic array of topics, but by teasing out some of their historical complexities, the goal is to illuminate various facets of our lives now. Because sometimes the best way to bring clarity is first to make things complicated.
In-Class and Zoom 0ptions available.
At Gutenberg, we hold two simultaneous convictions about truth seeking. First, freedom of inquiry is critical, and second, an authentic pursuit will lead toward God and Truth. In keeping with these convictions, community classes are intended to be a forum for exploration. They may or may not represent the beliefs and positions of Gutenberg College but are designed to explore topics of significance for our lives.
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