I wrote a piece last year discussing how classroom discourse has seriously broken down at our college. I think I may have figured out how we can get back on point with the full-fledged academic and social experience we are supposed to be having for four years. I think the following solution will allow us to engage one another in places other than the classroom, Stone basement, the athletic fields or the bedroom.
I am writing to tell you about what should become a great Amherst institution. Friends and faculty, the mission of this think tank, called ReThink, is to start an arena of public discourse on campus. Meaningful discussion outside of the classroom has long been lost at Amherst. This is an attempt to ignite the brilliance, depth and diversity of thought that I know exists here.
It is not an actual think tank like the Brookings Institution or Cato, but instead a more rhetorical version. Also, the scope of material within the think tank sessions will extend beyond politics. Music, sports, philosophy, literature, rocket science, history or even the future will be frequently discussed.
A typical session will look like this: A student speaker will present a 10-30 minute talk on a unique topic of his or her choice, we will moderate 10-20 minutes of questions and discussion/debate and the last 10 minutes will be left for synthesis and implications. The College routinely invites brilliant outsiders to come speak on great topics. This is an opportunity for students to speak on great topics. And one doesn't need to have great oratorical skills to present. One only needs an interesting take on a unique subject; something that will get people thinking at elevated levels.
Last year, Eric Osborne '04 gave the first talk titled "The Good, the Bad and Completely Ridiculous in American Politics." The room was packed with energy and discourse. This year, every month will bear a different theme. Each talk until Nov. 4 deals with Election 2004. We will have some intense, lively, and at times just plain hilarious discussions about the presidential race. I will start off the year tomorrow with my talk "Think Bush Has It? Think Again." Appropriately, my talk fits in well with the name of this organization. Shining forth from the word "rethink" is the essence of this think tank. Most people believe Bush will be re-elected because of polls and superficial media, but I will prove mathematically that he may not be. Unique? Maybe downright peculiar! I will seek to challenge folks to rethink conventional wisdom.
The name suggests that we want to get spirited discussion and informed debate happening in a civil way so that we may seriously rethink our beliefs or strengthen those we already hold and advance them. We are looking for highly unique or unconventional ways of approaching exciting topics.
This is not a debate team, but rather, a community of educated citizen-students articulating their views and listening to and learning from their peers. Deep thought, genuine exchange and good humor are welcomed! All sessions will be held on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Babbott Room on the second floor of the Octagon. Amherst College needs more meaningful engagement. Together, we can help to fill this need.