|
Book 1: On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom by Cass Sunstein
Faculty leader: Steven Phelan
Meeting dates: Tuesdays, 9/22/26, 9/29/26, 10/6/26
Meeting time: 12:45 pm - 2:05 pm
Meeting location: Kennesaw Hall 1203
Book description: In On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom, Cass Sunstein delivers a timely defense of liberalism, arguing that its core principles—freedom, pluralism, and opportunity—remain essential in an era of intense political and cultural division. He challenges both left- and right-wing critiques, showing that liberalism is often misunderstood and instead offers a flexible framework that supports individual choice and democratic self-government. Drawing on thinkers like John Stuart Mill and Friedrich Hayek, Sunstein presents liberalism as an evolving, “big tent” tradition that protects freedom while adapting to modern challenges.
Book 2: The Future of Free Speech: Reversing the Global Decline of Democracy’s Most Essential Freedom by Jacob Mchangama and Jeff Kosseff
Faculty leader: Mike Patrono
Meeting dates: Mondays, 10/12/26, 10/19/26, 10/26/26,11/2/26
Meeting time: 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Meeting location: Kennesaw Hall 1203
Book description: In The Future of Free Speech, Jacob Mchangama and Jeff Kosseff argue that freedom of expression—once a cornerstone of democratic progress—is now in global decline due to rising censorship, political polarization, and the growing influence of governments and digital platforms. They trace how decades of expanding speech protections have begun to unravel under pressures like misinformation, national security concerns, and increasing public distrust of open discourse. Ultimately, the authors present a compelling case for renewed commitment to free speech, advocating practical, nonpartisan solutions to preserve it as a foundation of democracy and human rights.
Book 3: Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
Faculty leader: James Boudreau
Meeting dates: Wednesdays, 10/7/26, 10/14/26, 10/21/26, 10/28/26
Meeting time: 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Location meeting: Kennesaw Campus - Kennesaw Hall 1203
Book description: In Cat’s Cradle, Kurt Vonnegut weaves dark humor and satire into a story about a writer investigating the legacy of a scientist whose invention—ice-nine—has the power to freeze the entire world. As the narrative unfolds, Vonnegut critiques the reckless pursuit of scientific progress, the fragility of truth, and humanity’s tendency to create comforting illusions, including the fictional religion of Bokononism. Blending absurdity with sharp social commentary, the novel ultimately warns of the catastrophic consequences of human folly in a world driven by power, belief, and unchecked innovation.
|
