Bannan Institute Spring 2015: Leadership and the Intellectual Life Tradition, Innovation, and Transformation Martha Nussbaum, Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics, University of Chicago People sometimes dismiss liberal arts education as useless.  But any country needs citizens who can think critically, discuss world issues knowledgeably, and understand the point of view of someone whose background and interests differ from their own. These abilities are nourished by the humanities and the arts, so they play a vital role…

Given the ecological risks that face us and the uneven distribution of responsibilities, how can we overcome a sense of fragmentation and insularity? Reflecting on how Pope Francis’ call for an integral ecology resonates with those of us who live in more vulnerable parts of the world, we can discern pathways of hope, inspiring us all to care for our common home. Jose Ramon “Jett” Villarin S.J. is the President of Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines. He received…

What Is at Stake for Economic Justice in 2016? Inequality in Global, National, and Local Perspective Growing income inequality and the stagnation of middle-class incomes over recent decades have been prominent themes in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. What are the causes, and what can be done? In this talk, William Sundstrom will start by taking a step back from the U.S. setting to provide some global perspective on income inequality and growth. In contrast with the case of the…