Some people ask “Why are we here?” in regard to life itself, life on earth, in a cosmic sense. At this year’s Veritas Forum we’re asking, “Why are we here?” in one specific way: “Why are we here at Cal Poly?” Why do we value education? Why have we focused the best years of our lives on teaching and research?” We want to explore these ideas, asking both a Christian and Atheist professor how they understand the purpose of education and learning, and how it interacts with their worldview.

What is a yawp? This clip from the 1989 film Dead Poets Society explains. English teacher John Keating (played by the late Robin Williams) quotes Walt Whitman: “I sound my barbaric yawp over the rooftops of the world.” A yawp is an audible cry that expresses surprise or delight at the thrill of discovery.

Please join us Thursday evening Feb 12th 7:30-9pm in Harman Hall in Performing Arts Center featuring our guest Dr. Francis Su (Mathematics, Harvey Mudd College) dialoguing with Dr. Kenneth Brown (Philosophy, Cal Poly) on “Nurturing the Yawp: an Atheist and a Christian discuss Education, Achievement, and the Point of Learning.” The discussion will be moderated by Associate Vice Provost Dr. Albert Liddicoat (Electrical Engineering, Cal Poly) and will be followed by Q&A from the audience. This event is free and open to all students, faculty, and members of the Cal Poly community. 

Here’s a link to the Veritas Forum site with more info about our speakers, and the Facebook event page. 

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