September Pendle Hill

Robby George facilitates a discussion on intellectual humility and speaking across ideological lines through truth-seeking discourse

On September 25th, Robert P. George ‘77, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, facilitated our virtual Pendle Hill.

The purpose of the event, titled “Truth-seeking, Democracy, and Freedom of Thought and Expression,” was to reinforce the values of intellectual humility as well as facilitate inter-ideological dialogue. 

Robby argues that the pursuit of truth and knowledge requires the liberty of thought and discussion. If we are not willing to put our values, including our most fundamental, identity-forming values, under review or scrutiny, we run the risk of slipping into dogmatism. 

“We close off the possibility of correction,” stated Robby. “We shut down the challenge. We come to think effectively and essentially of ourselves as infallible. That is toxic to the truth-seeking mission.” Through intellectual humility, through understanding that, regardless of our degree of correctness, there is benefit and depth in perspective to be gained from putting our beliefs to the test.

By no means does Robby claim that all opinions are equally valid. In the mission of truth-seeking, we all must be “willing, even eager to engage with anyone who is prepared to do business in the proper currency of truth seeking discourse; reasons, arguments, and evidence.” Provocateurs, those who defend their ideas through sensational language, pushing their opponent to the extreme, or name-calling, do not contribute to the truth-seeking mission.

Overall, Robby encouraged us, as Roothbert fellows, to refrain from holding our values too closely. In an attempt to immunize ourselves from criticism, we default to stigma, exclusion, and deplatforming. We evade the interrogation of our most sacred beliefs. However, “the ethos of speaking our minds and considering unpopular opinions protects us against dogmatism and group think.”

Robby then concluded his discourse with the following, particularly powerful, point. 

“The more the subject under discussion is important, the more willing we should be to listen and to engage, especially if the person is someone who in the conversation will challenge our most deeply held beliefs.”

Robby then invited Roothbert Fellows, in small groups, to question how one can lead a life of conviction while maintaining a commitment to intellectual humility and truth-seeking. To read a more detailed, narrated transcript of the event, particularly the Q&A session between Robby and the Roothbert Fellows, please click here. 

The Roothbert Fund would like to thank Robby for this phenomenal event, despite the circumstances of a virtual platform. It was an honor to have Robby facilitate this event, and  we appreciate Robby’s excellence in leading a thought-provoking, enriching discussion.

Are you interested in reading more about this event? For more direct quotes from Robby as well as a transcription of his Q&A session with fellow Roothbert Fellows, click here.