Speak, and we shall listen

Last week, N.T. Wright, one of the world’s leading Biblical scholars and historians of early Christianity, came to address the Duke community on a breadth of topics. His visit amounted to a truly impressive affair. In a panel discussion among elite scholars from the Divinity School, Wright addressed the theology and Christology of Saint Paul. Later, at a talk hosted by the Veritas Forum, he spoke to the masses about “the problem of evil” – how one would philosophically reconcile the existence of evil in a world with an omnipotent, benevolent God.

The notable occasion raises important reflections about the kinds of speakers that come to Duke, the audiences they serve and the purposeful dialogue they stimulate. It is rare that Duke attracts a widely known household name like Condoleezza Rice in 2012. But it is also questionable how much these massive, box-office ticketed affairs actually contribute to and stimulate important conversations on campus. Indeed, when Captain Richard Phillips and General Petraeus visited during the last two academic years, the events amounted to superficial, diluted discussions of politics and offered little substance for attendees.

The question, then, is what value “big name” speakers really bring to Duke and whether their very presence on campus is enough to justify their expense. On some level, these kinds of visits serve as a form of credentialism for universities. As students try to fill their resumes in hopes of concealing a lack of depth, universities also attempt to host star-power speakers in hopes of bolstering their public reputations and allure. But such an exercise often misses the purpose of a good, thought-provoking public presentation and can be a waste of time and resources.

Speaker events that convey provocative, stimulating ideas and promote discourse have immense value and coincide with the purpose of the University. Hosting a big name, so long as the speaker fulfills these goals, only enhances the experience. Certainly, faculty and students alike can be inspired by just attending a high-octane talk given by an eminent speaker, and the sheer scale of such events opens opportunities for Duke to engage the broader intellectual community from Durham and beyond. Princeton University, for example, recently hosted the Dalai Lama, who spoke about human relations and the future of modern society, with great success.

Still, smaller-scale talks offer more frequent and more personal occasions to engage on a deep level with esteemed academics. Wright, quite distinguished in his own right, attracted three to four hundred attendees at his presentations, which were categorical successes for the University. The talks featured material for everyone—from scholars and students in his area of study to lay people with a general interest in religion—and encouraged discussions about crucial existential issues. His tour was a model for university-wide engagement and dialogue.

Thus, it is medium-scale events like Wright’s, as well as smaller ones, that the Duke community – from administrators to faculty to students – must make concerted efforts to promote. The onus is on schools, departments and student groups to find and to host good speakers, not just big-name ones. Then, the responsibility falls on the broader Duke community to attend, listen and engage in dialogue. The recent emphasis by the new “Signature Courses” on hosting outside speakers for in-class talks is an excellent initiative. Speaker opportunities should not be viewed as extra-curricular but co-curricular. They have a place at the heart of the University, and Duke must be cognizant to secure and to celebrate that place in its heart.