Intellectual Pluralism and the Marketplace of Ideas: Baruch Connects Spring 2025 Series

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

As part of the Baruch Connects initiative, I am pleased to invite you to our February series, Intellectual Pluralism and the Marketplace of Ideas. This second installment in our three-part series highlights the power of diverse perspectives to drive social impact and foster meaningful dialogue.

We have an exciting lineup of events next week, from February 25–27, offering opportunities to explore pressing topics, engage in thoughtful discussion, and celebrate the dynamic exchange of ideas at Baruch. Please join us for:

The Role of Social Media in Civil Discourse
Tuesday, Feb. 25
12:30-2 pm, Lunch will be provided.
Information and Technology Building, 151 East 25th Street, 7th Floor, Rackow Room, Room H-750

Social media empowers us to engage with and influence contemporary debates. However, it also presents challenges such as misinformation, anonymity, and peer pressure, which can erode civil discourse and lead to unintended consequences. This panel, moderated by Professor William Organek, will feature Professors Lisa Blankenship, Elizabeth Edenberg, Eric Gander, Debbie Kaminer, and Isaac Vaghefi, who will explore how respectful disagreement serves as the cornerstone of diverse and inclusive dialogue. Panelists will also share best practices for fostering civility in online interactions.

RSVP here.

Marketplace of Ideas for Social Impact (Virtual Event)
Wednesday, Feb. 26
2:30-3:45 pm
Via Zoom (sign-in details to follow)

Baruch undergraduate students will showcase innovative theories of change developed in their social entrepreneurship courses that address pressing societal challenges. This interactive session, moderated by Professor Abhisek Ghosh Moulick, invites attendees to provide feedback, engage in dialogue, and help refine the most promising ideas. Participants will also have the opportunity to “invest” in concepts they believe hold the greatest potential for social impact.

RSVP here.

Civil Debate: Techno-optimism: The Way Forward or a Dangerous Delusion?
Thursday, Feb. 27
12:30-2 pm, Lunch will be provided.
Information and Technology Building, 151 East 25th Street, 7th Floor, Rackow Room, Room H-750

Join us for a student-facing debate on this timely issue, moderated by Professors Allison Hahn and Eric Gander. The promise of technology is everywhere today—from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering and beyond. But are we moving too fast toward this brave new world? Should we actively slow the pace of technological innovation to allow laws and social norms to catch up? This engaging debate will explore the potential and perils of rapid technological advancement.

RSVP here.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to conclude the Baruch Connects series with our April series, Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding, with events scheduled for April 8–10.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out to us at BaruchConnects@baruch.cuny.edu.

Thank you for your continued engagement in this important initiative. I hope to see you at one or more of these events as we celebrate the diversity of thought and ideas that make Baruch exceptional.

Sincerely,

S. David Wu
President, Baruch College