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FISHER: A place for argument

The Jefferson Society is an engaging intellectual forum

I write in response to George Knaysi’s column of August 26.

I take Mr. Knaysi’s thesis to be that the quality of discourse at the University has declined among undergraduates. As a law student, I am not in a position to evaluate that claim.

However, as a member of the Jefferson Society, I can and do take issue with Mr. Knaysi’s characterization of the Society, specifically, his assertion that it has “institutionalized” a “tendency to elevate ego over informed argument.” In support of this charge, Mr. Knaysi cites approximately 12 (we are not provided an exact number) anonymous current members, most of whom feel that there is “less respectful, substantive dialogue” than occurred in the past.

The problems associated with relying on anecdotes as evidence, particularly anecdotes based wholly on anonymous hearsay, are well-known and need not be repeated here. I could offer my own anecdotal evidence, and point out that I have found the Society to be a fair and engaging intellectual forum that draws upon the varying expertise of students at the University’s numerous schools (including the College, Education School, Commerce School, Darden School of Business, Nursing School, Engineering School, and the Law School), and that I am pleased and proud to be associated with the Society. But that does not resolve the issue, for one anecdote cannot defeat another.

Instead, I propose the following solution: I invite Mr. Knaysi to interview for membership in the Society. As one who values intellectual discourse, Mr. Knaysi seems to have the ideal temperament for a potential member. Should Mr. Knaysi be invited to join after interviewing, he will find either that his characterization of the Society was wrong (in which case he will have found a home devoted to the type of reasoned rhetoric which he prizes so highly); or else he will find that it was right (in which case he will have ample opportunity to advance a more reasoned argument explaining the problems within the Society, and one hopes, offer solutions as well). Open interviews will be held at Jefferson Hall between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2, through Friday, Sept. 6. If Mr. Knaysi is busy during those times, he can also interview during one of our late sessions, held between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Tuesday the 3rd and Thursday the 5th.

I sincerely hope to see Mr. Knaysi at interviews next week; in these times more than ever, it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

Ronald Fisher is a third-year Law student.

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