Spokane Public Library hosts Public Philosophy Night in collaboration with Eastern Washington University

Spokane Public Library will host Public Philosophy Night: Philosophy for the End of the World and the Beginning of the Next on Friday, April 14 from 6-9pm at Central Library in collaboration with Eastern Washington University (EWU) English & Philosophy Department and the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. 

“The oldest academic discipline, Philosophy is needed now more than ever before for its promotion of critical thinking, the consideration of diverse paradigms for understanding our world and ourselves, and for its power as a cure for skepticism and cynicism,” said EWU Professor of Philosophy Kevin Decker, PhD. 

EWU hosted its first free Public Philosophy Night in 2019 at Central Library hoping to champion these values in the local community with public lectures, literary readings, and meaningful discussions.

“This year, Public Philosophy Night is bigger and more exciting, exploring questions and suggesting answers about democracy, utopias, Stoicism, rationality, and even Star Trek! In particular, we welcome our keynote presenter, Dr. José-Antonio Orosco, whose work at Oregon State University focuses on democratic theory, social movements, and peace and nonviolence studies; Philosophy of the Americas (North and Latin); multiculturalism, immigration, and decolonization; and theories of anarchism and utopian/dystopian political thought, particularly in science fiction,” said Decker. 

Schedule of Events

6:00 – Welcome by Dr. Nydia Martinez, Dean of EWU’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (nx?yx?yetk? Hall)

6:05 – Introduction of keynote speaker by EWU English and Philosophy Chair, Dr. Terrance MacMullan

6:10 – Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jose-Antonio Orosco, Oregon State University

6:45 – Keynote Q&A

7:05-7:55 – Breakout Sessions 

Third Floor

- nx?yx?yetk? Hall: Dr. Justin Smith (Whitworth University)— Toward a Developmental Analysis of Superhero Media: Lessons from Wakanda

- Conference Room B: Open philosophical conversation with EWU philosophy students and professor Kevin S. Decker (Eastern Washington University)

First Floor

- Maker Studio: Ideas & Action: How Working with Our Hands Helps Us Think by Monica Stenzel (Eastern Washington University, Spokane Falls Community College)

- Events A: Dr. Steven Schoonover (Spokane Falls Community College)—Philosophy and Truth in Democratic Societies

- Events B: Dr. Joan Braune (Gonzaga University)—Using Logic to Counter Conspiracy Theories and Hate

8:05-8:55 – Breakout Sessions

Third Floor

- nx?yx?yetk? Hall: Britni Weaver-Forsman (Spokane Falls Community College)—Stoicism and the Inner Work

- Conference Room B: Open philosophical conversation with EWU students and professor Kevin S. Decker–continued

First Floor

- Maker Studio: Ideas & Action: How Working with Our Hands Helps Us Think by Monica Stenzel (Eastern Washington University, Spokane Falls Community College)—continued

- Events A: Dr. Ben Cartwright (Spokane Falls Community College)–Saving the World Through Science Fiction: Locally, Globally, and Universally

- Events B: Dr. Charlie Lassiter (Gonzaga University)–We Live in a Society: Figuring Out Rules, Roles, and Responsibilities

This is a free, public event and no registration is required. 

About Spokane Public Library  

Spokane Public Library aims to inspire a thriving city through cultural and educational opportunities. An award-winning library that spans seven locations and houses nearly half-a-million items, Spokane Public Library circulates nearly two million items and welcomes one million visitors annually. Customers can enjoy traditional library media and can also access digital downloads, databases, historical collections, art exhibits, and interesting free programming. For general information about the library, please visit spokanelibrary.org or call 509.444.5300.  

About Eastern Washington University

Eastern Washington University (EWU) is a driving force for the culture, economy, workforce, and vitality of Washington state. Our graduates think critically and make meaningful contributions to both their career fields and their communities. EWU is a public university whose students, faculty, staff, and alumni make profound and significant contributions to the economic and social vitality of the region. EWU remains the best value for higher education in the state.