The Veritas Forum

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist from NYU and author of 'The Anxious Generation,' joins Andy Crouch, a partner for theology and culture at Praxis Labs and author of 'The Life We’re Looking For,' for a captivating discussion on technology's impact on spirituality and self-identity. They delve into how smartphones alter our sense of self and challenge genuine connections, especially in youth. The conversation also highlights the importance of sacrifice, community, and regaining control over attention to enhance personal flourishing in a tech-driven world.

It’s election season in America, and that brings a lot of questions about how we interact in the public square. How do we disagree respectfully across our differences? What do we do with competing truth claims in a pluralistic society?   In today’s episode, you’ll hear pastor and author Tim Keller (1950 — 2023) discuss these questions. Tim lays out a brief history of pluralism in America, four perspectives on building a pluralistic society, and what his Christian faith can offer to the conversation.   This forum was held at New York University in 2017 and originally titled “The Closing of the Modern Mind.” It’s one of our most popular forums, with over 300,000 views on YouTube. Thank you to the forums team for making this event possible.   Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

Ard Louis, a theoretical physics professor at Oxford, delves into the captivating intersection of science, beauty, and faith. He articulates how his appreciation for the elegance in biological complexity and the laws of nature fuels his curiosity. Louis reflects on the remarkable role of mathematics in physics and the philosophical implications of scientific inquiry. He also discusses how his Christian worldview enriches his understanding of purpose and ethics in the pursuit of knowledge, inviting listeners to see a deeper connection between faith and scientific exploration.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear the story of Molly Worthen. As a journalist and historian at UNC, Molly has written about Christians for years as an outsider. But in this conversation, she shares how something unexpected happened to her recently: she became one. Molly talks with Lorien Foote, a history professor at Texas A&M. They explore Molly’s worldview before becoming a Christian, the evidence that led her to faith, and how changing her mind wasn’t as scary as she expected. This forum was held at Texas A&M in Spring 2024. Thank you to the forum planning team for making this event possible. Find additional resources and quotes on the podcast episode page here.

Dallas Willard, a revered philosophy professor, intricately examines how our worldviews shape our behaviors and perceptions. He invites listeners to question their own beliefs, emphasizing the significance of Jesus's teachings in cultivating a fulfilling perspective. Willard discusses the clash between faith and secular academia, revealing how societal norms can distort our understanding of truth. He advocates for a critical evaluation of our worldview assumptions, encouraging openness to diverse perspectives in the pursuit of truth.

Praveen Sethupathy, a physiological genomics professor at Cornell, and David Rudge, a biological sciences professor at Western Michigan, dive into the nature of knowledge. They question whether science is the sole path to understanding, exploring alternative ways of knowing such as culture and personal experiences. The discussion touches on the interplay of faith and science, and the importance of critical thinking in navigating scientific authority. They also share personal journeys that blend scientific inquiry with spiritual exploration.

Rosalind Picard, an MIT computer scientist renowned for her work in affective computing, and Joshua Knobe, a Yale philosopher with a focus on the philosophy of mind, dive deep into what it means to be human. They tackle the limitations of AI in replicating true emotions, explore the bond between humans and pets, and examine the ethical concerns surrounding emotional robots. This thought-provoking conversation challenges our understanding of agency, compassion, and the essence of humanity in the face of rapid technological advancement.

In this engaging discussion, Curt Thompson, a practicing psychiatrist, and Victor Strecher, a professor of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan, dive deep into the art of storytelling. They explore how personal narratives shape our identity and well-being, emphasizing the importance of community in this process. The conversation also touches on finding purpose through connection, resilience in times of grief, and the blend of scientific insights with spiritual understanding, offering valuable perspectives on human flourishing.

The podcast features theologian Mirsolav Volf and Dean of Students Vijay Pendakur discussing the balance between truth and tolerance in society. They address the complexities of living together despite differences, the role of compromise in community, physical and emotional safety on college campuses, and speaking the truth in love. The conversation explores navigating truth, values, and tolerance, respectful dialogue, and understanding different viewpoints in diverse settings.

In college, it's common to feel the pressure to do everything—overload classes, join clubs, apply to internships, and more. But rarely do we stop to ask why. Behind all of our striving, what’s the purpose of our work anyway? The speakers in this episode ask this question. You'll hear from Lydia Dugdale, a primary care physician and director of the Center for Medical Ethics at Columbia University, and Mike Fontaine, professor of Classics at Cornell. They discuss our desire to cling to life, how to find a purpose that transcends the daily striving of school and career, and what ancient wisdom might offer us that the “grindset mindset” can’t. This forum was held at Cornell in Fall 2023. Thank you to the forums team at Cornell for making this event possible. Sign up for our newsletter here. Watch the full Forum here. Visit veritas.org to learn more about the mission of the Veritas Forum and find more resources to explore the ideas that shape our lives.