Rediscovering the Public Sphere
Friday Forums return on September 7 with Robert Berdahl, president of the Association of American Universities, addressing privatization of public life.
Dr. Berdahl will discuss what he describes as “the decline in a sense of the public sphere over recent decades.” He will talk about a decline in public spaces for people to come together for dialogue, the privatization of public infrastructures (e.g., utilities and education systems) and an increased encroachment on our shared physical environment by private business. Berdahl will analyze these trends and show how our public and private lives depend on the health of these interrelated realms. Further, he will detail the challenges that lie ahead and offer his opinions on what must be done to rejuvenate public life.
The Association of American Universities promotes developing national policy on issues related to academic research and professional education. Berdahl previously served as chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley and president of the University of Texas at Austin. He also taught history at the University of Massachusetts, Boston and the University of Oregon.
Join us as we consider ways to improve the health and vitality of public life in Oregon.
