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Cicero (106-43 B.C.)

"It is a shameful thing to be weary of inquiry when what we search for is excellent."
—Cicero

"What is the Role of Government in a Free Society?"

One of the perennial questions regarding human freedom asks: What is the proper role of government in the lives of a free people? The answers to this question, which span the philosophical and political spectrum, are varied and contentious. Yet, how a person or a society answers it correlates to the type of government they will tolerate or come to expect. In recent days, for example, how one answers this question may relate to one's view of America's War on Terror, the Patriot Act, the federal deficit, the Bush Doctrine, free trade, and a host of other issues. In other words, the question is of perennial importance because contemporary political and cultural issues presuppose an answer to it. Collectively, however, there would seem to be little agreement, and even less discussion or reflection, on the proper role of government in a free society.

"What is the Role of Government in a Free Society?" is a debate series conducted by the Intercollegiate Studies Institute with the generous support of the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation at select colleges and universities across America. Each debate addresses a different aspect of the theme in the light of a current policy, cultural, economic, or social issue.

Debate Speakers

As the success of any debate is predicated, in part, on the quality of the debaters themselves, ISI seeks individuals best qualified to address a particular issue and whose positions represent authentically divergent points of view. Speakers will also be chosen for their ability to debate and for their willingness to engage in a free, formal, and deliberate exchange. Also, speakers are chosen on their national reputation, though this is not an overriding criterion, as the series will also attempt to bring to light thoughtful public intellectuals of lesser renown whose work nonetheless merits greater public attention.

Debate locations during 2007–2008:

• Oregon State University — October 15, 2007 — Watch the Debate
• New York Society for Ethical Culture — October 22, 2007 — Watch the Debate
• Seattle Pacific University — November 15, 2007 — More Information
• Georgetown University — January 29, 2008 — Listen to the Debate
• Ohio State University — February 12, 2008 — Watch the Debate
• Binghamton University — April 28, 2008 — More Information
• Wheaton College (Norton, MA)— April 29, 2008 — Watch the Debate

For more information on the ISI Debate Series, please call (800) 526-7022 or email cicerospodium@isi.org.

Download the brochure for this program. (PDF, 420kb)