It's only Wednesday and the week has already been a rich and busy one with the importance of words taking center stage—the power of words, the magic of words, the need to use just the right words. Our undergraduate seminar, Language, Information and Power, continues to be filled with fascinating and thoughtful reading and conversation. Last evening, we grappled with the difference between intentionally or non-intentionally using words to harm others. If one has good intentions, but the outcome is negative, are we culpable nonetheless?
Are we ready?
Posted by:
Thea Keith-Lucas
Thursday, September 7, 2017
I remember it so clearly: I was sitting outside during my first weekend of college, a book open in my lap. It was my first assignment, from my first religion course. Problems of Religious Thought sounded like it would be fun, based on what I knew from my high-school World Religions course. And then I tried to read Søren Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling. After I puzzled my way through perhaps ten of the 200 pages we were assigned, I looked up and thought: Oh no. I’m not ready for this.
Words to Live By
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Monday, June 12, 2017
It's very quiet on campus today. Now that the semester is over and graduation festitivies have come to an end, a peaceful, calm atmosphere prevails. There is almost a palable sense of an expansive exhalation. We here at Radius are exhaling as well. We would like to thank all of our friends, colleagues, partners, collaborators and advisors for a fascinating, inspiring year. We will be taking some time off for the summer months; however, the planning, reading, and researching will continue as we gear up for the coming academic year.
The Three S's
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Now that classes and finals are over and the community awaits graduation festivities, the campus is quieter and calmer. Although the energy and excitement of the school year will be missed, we now have a chance to reflect on the year. We were very busy here at Radius, sponsoring and co-sponsoring many events that tackled topics ranging from environmental justice and sustainablity to nuclear weapons.
MIT Day of Action
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
There are strong stirrings on campus; people leaving their labs and engaging in the wider world and taking a stance--students, faculty and staff. Spurred by concerns about the environment, the attack on science, the number of hate crimes rising, racism, homophobia, and a host of other issues, members of the MIT community have come together to create a
Taking Stock
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
At this point in the semester, our ethics seminar steps back and takes stock of the richness of information and discussion that has taken place over the semester. This spring, we’ve covered topics that include the role of the media in how politics play out, how to become responsible information and news consumers, the power of anger in creating social change and nuclear proliferation and the US military budget. Underlying all of these conversations is the exploration of how and why ethical and moral frameworks matter.
As we begin the first day of classes at MIT, there is always a sense of excitement and possibilty. Each spring semester for the past 8 years, Radius has been co-sponsoring an undergraduate seminar with the MIT Department of Philosophy, under the leadership of Professor Sally Haslanger. The seminar, Being, Thinking, Doing (Or Not!): Ethics in Your Life, is a weekly class where students discuss ethical issues over dinner.
MIT Takes a Stance
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Last Friday, Donald Trump signed an Executive Order on immigration that shocked the world. Many of us in the MIT community were galvanized into action and joined the public protest in Copley Square on Sunday afternoon.
How We Engage
Posted by:
Patricia-Maria Weinmann
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Last Saturday, the world witnessed an unprecedented display of resistance and solidarity. It will come as no surprise to our constituents that our mission's foundation is grounded in the belief that all people deserve to be treated with dignity and that human rights are meant for every single one of us. The marches around the world were also grounded in this belief. As we face the realities around us, it's important to stay engaged and to know that your voice can be heard.