The fourth annual William E. and Carol G. Simon Lecture on Religion in American Public Life, co-sponsored by the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, will be given by Rabbi Meir Y. Soloveichik on Thursday, March 30, 2017, 4:30 pm in Lewis Library 120 on the campus of Princeton University. Rabbi Soloveichik’s lecture will be titled “Passover on July 4th: Franklin, Jefferson, and the Seal of the United States.” Continue reading →

Schools and universities need support if they are to perform their proper function. For over a decade, the Witherspoon Institute has helped the university accomplish its purpose through its summer programming. Each summer, we make courses available for high school students, undergraduates, and graduate and professional school students. Drawing on accomplished faculty, and held in Princeton, our seminars invite students to read, argue, learn, and willingly listen and engage each other and the texts. Our seminars encourage the formation of Socratic friendships and the fostering of civility.

For the summer of 2017, the Institute is pleased to offer the following seminars (please follow the links for dates and application information):

– Moral Life and the Classical Tradition, for rising high school juniors and seniors interested in the ancient philosophical tradition and its influence in Christian moral life.

– First Principles Seminar, for advanced undergraduate and pre-dissertation graduate students with interests in natural law and moral or political philosophy.

– Natural Law and Public Affairs Seminar, for advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in normative ethics and contemporary applications, as well as recent graduates and young professionals in policy or law.

– The Thomistic Seminar: Themes in Aquinas and Charles Taylor, for graduate students in philosophy and related disciplines.

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