The lively arts center that I helped create in the 1990s has been acquired by Calvin University, where I taught philosophy. I reflect on UICA’s recent demise.

To pursue social transformation, we need Dr. Martin Luther King’s critical hope. It points to shared societal principles and envisions a life-giving society.

Canadians and Americans mark national birthdays in July. Amid culture wars, do we share anything worth celebrating? Yes. We all expect solidarity and justice.

Everyone wants to belong. But how do we organize a society where this doesn’t foster abuse or violence? I discuss Dutch pillarization and suggest an alternative.

A recent camping trip makes me wonder, Why are we all here? As Molly Worthen shows, the same question nags universities today. A good philosophy should help us say why.

Silos of specialized expertise keep philosophy from countering post-truth politics. It is time to open them toward social critique and social-ethical wisdom.

Overly specialized and isolated, philosophy looks like an archaic ruin. To offer genuine insights for a post-truth society, it needs creative reconstruction.

To resist cynicism and legalism, we need to do public philosophy with a human heart, one that cares about what matters most. Our dogs can help us learn how.