Presidential Colloquium: Martha C. Nussbaum

Martha C. Nussbaum—a leading philosopher who writes and comments regularly on topics of national and global significance—will deliver a Presidential Colloquium on “Anger, Fear and the Politics of Blame” at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 29, in the Campus Center Carroll Room at Smith College. The event is open to the public at no charge.

Developed in conjunction with her new book, "The Monarchy of Fear," Nussbaum's talk will investigate "the climate of simmering anger that disfigures most modern democracies, expressing itself in blaming and targeting of unpopular groups." Nussbaum argues that a philosophical analysis of anger and its roots in experiences of powerlessness can help people move forward.

About Martha Nussbaum
Martha Nussbaum is the Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago, where she is jointly appointed in the law school and the philosophy department. She has a particular interest in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, political philosophy, feminism and ethics, including animal rights. She also holds associate appointments in classics, dvinity and political science.

Nussbaum is the author of a number of books, including "The Fragility of Goodness," "Sex and Social Justice" and "Frontiers of Justice: Disability, Nationality, Species Membership." She received the 2016 Kyoto Prize in Arts and Philosophy and the 2018 Berggruen Prize for Philosophy and Culture.

About Smith's Presidential Colloquium Series
Smith's Presidential Colloquium Series regularly features influential thought leaders in a wide range of fields—from poets and writers to economists and policy experts—to share their expertise, offer insights and inspire discourse on key social, political and global topics that call for attention. Lectures are free and open to the public.