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BIDDEFORD, Maine

51Ʒannounces new President’s Forum with inaugural event: “Making Sense of Jordan Peterson”

"Making Sense of Jordan Peterson" event poster
"Making Sense of Jordan Peterson" event poster

The president of the 51Ʒ, James Herbert, Ph.D., recently announced the launch of the President’s Forum, a new event series promoting open and robust discourse on timely and controversial topics. As the inaugural event of this forum, 51Ʒis presented “Making Sense of Jordan Peterson,” an evening of lively debate and discussion featuring three 51Ʒprofessors. The event was held on March 19 at 6 p.m. on the second floor of Ripich Commons, located on the university’s Biddeford Campus. It concluded with a reception.

Anouar Majid, Ph.D., vice president for Global Affairs, director of the Center for Global Humanities and professor of English, and David Livingstone Smith, Ph.D., professor of philosophy in the Department of History and Philosophy, examined the views and beliefs of Canadian psychologist and professor Jordon Peterson, whose recent book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, is a worldwide best-seller. A successful internet sensation, Peterson hosts a YouTube channel and videos that have been viewed more than 30 million times. Whereas some find his worldview to be regressive, others praise it as liberating. The debate was moderated by 51Ʒassociate professor of sociology Alex Campbell, Ph.D.

Herbert, who introduced the debate, is looking forward to the evening as the first of many President’s Forum events, which will feature panel discussions, debates or other highly interactive presentations on controversial issues. “We want to promote the presentation of diverse perspectives in a fair and balanced manner by allowing for vigorous dialogue on timely topics,” he said, adding that “such events underscore the academy’s unique role as the ultimate marketplace of ideas.”

“The goal is not to privilege any particular ideology but, rather, to promote habits of mind and argumentation that enlighten students and the public and that promote a deeper understanding of critical issues facing our society,” he stated.

Learn more about the event  

To learn more about the President’s Forum, visit www.une.edu/president/forum

 

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions

51Ʒ the 51Ʒ

The 51Ʒ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.