Knox College will host an evening discussion with philosopher and public intellectual Cornel West and legal scholar Robert P. George at 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at Central Congregational Church. The event is free and open to the public.

The discussion is organized by Knox College’s Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue and will focus on themes from West and George’s recent co-authored book, Truth Matters: A Dialogue on Fruitful Disagreement in an Age of Division. Despite holding sharply different views on many social and political issues, the two scholars have developed a long-standing friendship and will explore how principled disagreement can lead to constructive dialogue.

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 is a conservative legal theorist and the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and 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.”

The conversation will be moderated by Thomas Bell, associate professor of political science and 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. It’s a great opportunity to engage people in fruitful public conversation about issues of public significance, both nationally and globally.”

Bell said Central Congregational Church was chosen as the venue because of its proximity to campus and its historical significance.

“Beyond the beauty of the sanctuary, Central Congregational has a powerful history as an abolitionist congregation,” Bell said. “It’s 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 Etz Family Institute for Civic Leadership and Dialogue was launched in fall 2024 through the vision and generosity of former Knox College Board Chair Tony Etz ’83 and Nancy Etz. The institute prepares students to bridge differences and engage in constructive dialogue through fellowships, immersive student experiences, faculty research and an annual lecture series.