The Institute for Philosophy in Public Life cultivates discussions between philosophy professionals and the general public through live events, broadcast media, and the internet. It is committed to the premise that anyone can do philosophy; that philosophy relates to day-to-day life; and that philosophical communities are fun, fulfilling, and essential for democracy.
WHY? Radio
IPPL’s flagship event is the monthly call-in radio show WHY? Philosophical Discussions About Everyday Life. WHY? features detailed and accessible interviews with professional philosophers and others whose work addresses the fundamental questions of the human experience. Listeners participate via phone, email, chat room, and Twitter, and receive direct responses from the guest and the host. WHY? also travels across the state, recording episodes town-hall style complete with live audience participation.
WHY? can be heard around the world online at www.whyradioshow.org. It is broadcast across North Dakota and the surrounding region on Prairie Public radio stations. It as also available in Winnipeg on Shaw Cable, 107.9 . Why? is broadcast on the second Sunday of each month at 5:00 p.m. central standard time.
Fellows & Fellowships
The Institute hosts local and visiting fellows, all of whom worth with the University of North Dakota to advance their own research and to present their work in a manner that is accessible to the general public. Visiting fellows remain at UND for two weeks during which they give public lectures or presentations, most of which are broadcast live on the internet. Senior Fellows direct long-term project that incorporate additional researches. Financial assistance and stipends are available to visiting fellows. Application information can be found on the Fellowships page.
Other Events and Resources
In addition to hosting lectures, the radio show, and visiting fellows, the hosts the Art & Democracy film series, discussion groups around the state, circulates a collection of popular philosophy books at the UND Chester Fritz library and, published an annual magazine aimed at philosophical discussion with the general public.
The Institute for Philosophy in Public Life was established in November 2008, and was originally funded as a partnership between the University of North Dakota College of Arts & Sciences and the North Dakota Humanities Council. Today, it is a funded by UND, a variety of grants, and private donations, and . It is a non-partisan institute created to advance philosophy of all types. Its name pays homage to The Institute for Ethics in Public Life, an inspiring organization on the campus of the State University of New York, Plattsburgh, the undergraduate alma mater of IPPL's director and founder, Jack Russell Weinstein. The opinions of the director or its guests and fellows do not necessarily represent the views of The University of North Dakota, College of Arts & Sciences or The North Dakota Humanities Council.
For more information, please write to ippl@und.edu.
