Levan Coffeehouse Conversation on Practical Ethics: Are We Responsible for Government Gridlock? 

 

Come share your opinions about ethical questions that matter. Faculty, staff, and undergraduate and graduate students from every part of our USC community are encouraged to come to Ground Zero Café and talk about the ethical questions of the day. Free lunch and open dialogue. 

 

A majority of Americans today report dissatisfaction, even disgust, with Congress, largely because of its perceived inability to pass what all acknowledge to be needed legislation. Yet we are part of the electorate responsible for the composition of our dysfunctional Congress. If we elect representatives on their promise that they will not compromise on the issues we care about, and our opponents do as well, who is responsible for the ensuing paralysis of our government?

 

Is it ethical to vote solely on the basis of our personal interests and our particular ethical or religious values—even as it threatens gridlock in a pluralistic society like ours? Or does morality require us to vote on the basis of our society’s common interest in functioning government in common matters, recognizing that others in our free society will disagree with our personal and particular values, and that ours may lose out?

 

Event Date: Wednesday, March 13 

Event Time: Noon

Event Location: Ground Zero Café 

Attire: 

Menu (if any): Free lunch 

Contact information: 213-740-5499, usclevan@dornsife.usc.edu

Hosted by: Levan Institute for Humanities and Ethics

RSVP Deadline: 

Parking information:  Contact usclevan@college.usc.edu if parking and driving information is needed.

 

The online registration process is now closed. Please call Levan Institute for Humanities and Ethics at 213-740-5499 for further information.