Civil Discourse

Civil Discourse

FAS Initiatives
Michael Sandel (pictured) gestures while speaking during the event. Views of Hard Questions: Ethics in the Age of AI with Michael Sandel, an event held in Sanders Theater in Memorial Hall at Harvard University. Michael Sandel is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government. This interactive session is a part of Harvard’s Week of Dialogue and sponsored by the FAS Civil Discourse Initiative. Following the discussion, students continue the discussion in Annenberg while eating dinner. Niles Singer/Har

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is committed to building an inclusive academic environment that fosters critical thinking, empathy, and mutual understanding. Recognizing civil disagreement as essential to university life, the Civil Discourse Initiative—launched in December 2023—equips the FAS community with skills to engage productively across differences while fostering a campus culture where diverse perspectives are valued.

Meet Professor Eric Beerbohm

Eric Beerbohm, Professor of Government, Director of the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics, and Faculty Dean at Quincy House, is Dean Hoekstra’s senior adviser on civil discourse. He leads efforts to empower the FAS community to share their diverse perspectives without fear of ridicule or hostility, leading to richer discussions.

Read his Q&A in The Harvard Gazette
Professor Eric Beerbohm

Civil Discourse Events

Find events designed to build skills in civil discourse, from interactive seminars to panel discussions. See how the Harvard community is coming together to share perspectives and encourage meaningful conversation.

Explore Civil Discourse events
professor in class talking with students around a round table

Resources

Intellectual Vitality at Harvard College

Through intellectual vitality, the Harvard College community seeks to establish a culture in which all members speak, listen, and ask questions of each other – and ourselves – with curiosity and respect. This is critical to achieve the mission of Harvard College and what we as a community believe in. 

Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics

The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics seeks to strengthen teaching and research about pressing ethical issues; to foster sound norms of ethical reasoning and civic discussion; and to share the work of our community in the public interest. 

Candid & Constructive Conversations at the Harvard Kennedy School

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is committed to strengthening the ability of our students, staff, and faculty to have candid and constructive conversations across difference.

The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning

The Bok Center offers strategic interventions in teaching and learning to promote respectful, inclusive, and meaningful dialogue across differences on campus.

In the News

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