PLATO, THE CONSTITUTION & PREAMBLE with DR. WILLIAM R. COOK

In this lecture, Dr. William R. Cook leads us back to the basics in order to examine the two most important sources of understanding in our tradition - the Classics and the Bible.  The conversation will begin with Plato, (suggested readings from Plato's Republic will be offered). Then we'll explore some texts from both Hebrew and Christian Scripture.  "Being rooted in these two traditions, we can then begin to face the challenge as Americans, as the first purpose of government, according to the Preamble to our Constitution, is 'to establish justice'."

Join us as we welcome back Dr. William R. Cook, the Distinguished Teaching Professor of History at the State University of New York at Geneseo, where he has taught since 1970. He earned his bachelor's degree cum laude from Wabash College and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa there. He was then awarded Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Lehman fellowships to study medieval history at Cornell University, where he earned his Ph.D. Professor Cook teaches courses in ancient and medieval history, the Renaissance and Reformation periods, and the Bible and Christian thought. Since 1983 Professor Cook has directed 11 Seminars for School Teachers for the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Bill's books include Images of St. Francis of Assisi and Francis of Assisi: The Way of Poverty and Humility. Dr. Cook contributed to the Cambridge Companion to Giotto and edits and contributes to The Art of the Franciscan Order in Italy. Among his many awards, Professor Cook has received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 1992 the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education named him New York State's Professor of the Year. In 2003 he received the first-ever CARA Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Medieval Studies from the Medieval Academy of America.

Please note limited space available. Priority access for Coudert Institute 2022 Season Members.

Telephone us at: 561-659-6161 to learn more and register for this event.