Veritable discussions

Tocqueville writes in “Democracy in America,” “There is almost no human action, however individual one supposes it to be, which does not originate in a very general idea men have about God … and their duties toward their fellows … Unfortunately, it is most difficult for each of us, if we are alone, to arrive at such settled ideas.”

Rather than the casual armchair philosophy we often encounter in the classroom, Tocqueville is suggesting that we be personally invested in deep, thought-provoking discussion on the “unprovables”—the existence of God, notions of morality, etc.—essentially “faith”-based assumptions we all make regarding these matters, and the real-life implications of these beliefs. In the Veritas discussion group on John Jay 6, we wrestle with “worldview” questions like these because we see the everyday implications of our beliefs and how these change our interactions with the world.

The Veritas Forum is an organization obsessed with these types of questions, and it annually holds a series of events that give the audience much to ruminate on—though we regularly end up biting off more than we can chew. But what if we had a continuing discussion group where those who are interested in exploring these topics could come together and wrestle with the arguments? Much time is spent deconstructing philosophies and religions that prescribe answers to the big questions, which is fine, but where does one go to begin constructing one’s own ideas? The Veritas discussion group is our answer to these questions.

Some may be surprised to find out, however, that the Veritas Forum is no secular organization. Started by Christian students and faculty at Harvard in 1992, the forum has long sought to bring back that for which the university was established long ago—the search for veritas, or truth. In terms of the forums or big events, the group’s origin dictates that, in debate on a certain topic among a possible slew of worldviews, the Christian faith will be represented.

However, there are only two things that are particularly “Christian” about the weekly hour-long discussions on John Jay 6. The first is the core values of the group, namely social tolerance and intellectual intolerance. In the case of the former, this means every person is respected and invited to bring his or her own questions, topics, and ideas to the floor. With regard to the latter, not all truth claims are equally valid—and that’s the point. We bring our questions, beliefs, and ideas to a safe, respectful, and stimulating environment where we grapple with them together to determine what is really true.

Though not necessarily expecting to find the ultimate answers to life’s hardest questions, the group most notably allows those in it at least to put together their beliefs, change their minds, and influence each other. The process of forming, critiquing, and reforming opinions is the core competency of these groups. Therefore, my role as the group’s facilitator is not so much substance, though I do bring in some sources to motivate discussion (often times CC or pop culture references), but rather procedure. I preserve the values of the group by making sure every person is heard and has his or her ideas considered, as well as maintaining every participant’s intellectual integrity through encouraging skepticism and avoiding self contradiction.

The second way Christianity plays into the discussion is through the last meeting of the year. In much the same vein as the larger forum in which the Christian worldview is represented, the claims made by Jesus Christ are brought in as a source for debate. The members apply the same rigorous tools of analysis that have hopefully developed over the year to determine their validity and implications—”is this true, and what difference would it make if it were?”

Though by the end of the discussion, everyone may walk away with differing beliefs, the point is that they have honestly examined their own and others’ worldviews and the implications thereof, and have gained some tools with which to test the validity of different perspectives. So if you’re tired of political correctness, armchair philosophy, or just your latest reading or problem set, I challenge you to leave those things at the door and join us as we explore life. Tocqueville puts it well: “Only minds freed completely from the ordinary preoccupations of life … can, with the help of ample time and attention, penetrate such vital truths.”

The author is a senior in the School of Engineering and Applied Science majoring in applied mathematics and economics. He leads a Veritas discussion group. He is also president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.