Honors College LLC Starts Lecture Series With 'Matrix' Discussion
Dr. Tom Hibbs, dean of the Honors College at Baylor University, will lecture on "The Matrix" trilogy at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, in the Alexander Reading Room on the first floor of Alexander Hall. Hibbs' lecture, "It's the Question that Drives Us: The Matrix and Philosophy," is the first in a series of monthly lectures sponsored by the Honors College Living/Learning Center. Refreshments will follow the lecture.
"Although the quality of the films in the trilogy is decidedly uneven, 'The Matrix' is one of the most philosophically interesting films in recent years," said Hibbs, who also serves as Distinguished Professor of Ethics and Culture. "It raises all kinds of fascinating issues: illusion vs. reality, technology vs. humanity, and the quest for love and purpose in the midst of a universe that appears hostile to the highest aspirations of human beings."
Organizers of the lecture series hope to bridge the gap between the classroom and residence hall. Along with each lecture, an activity or movie night will be planned. All of the lectures will focus on issues that are culturally, socially and politically relevant to contemporary issues.
"The lecture series is a way to connect Honors College students with Baylor's distinguished faculty and to have our students listening to the finest scholars on the campus," said Dr. Edward Blum, assistant professor of sociology. "Dean Hibbs will use philosophical tools to analyze a blockbuster movie trilogy, while in October, Martin Medhurst [an expert in presidential rhetoric] will lecture on presidential politics so that we are prepared to discuss citizenship in a time of election."
The lecture is open to all Baylor students. For more information, contact Blum at 710-7339.