Friday, February 8, 2008

Madrasa Reform In Pakistan, Building Free Societies And Listening To Opposing Views (Fora.tv)

Madrasa Reform in Pakistan
Douglas Johnston, Founder of the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, discusses his efforts to reform Madrasas in Pakistan.
Program and discussion: http://fora.tv/fora/showthread.php?t=2514
(Comment: Short 5 minute background on the Madrasa, its role in Pakistani society and successful efforts to reform it. Very encouraging, actually)

The Struggle to Build Free Societies
Democracy expert and former advisor to the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq, Larry Diamond, will speak on his new book, The Spirit of Democracy: The Struggle to Build Free Societies Throughout the World - Truman National Security Project
Program and discussion: http://fora.tv/fora/showthread.php?t=2517

Listening to Opposing Views
Jacob Needleman, author and professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University, argues that the act of listening is a critical step in the development of a personal morality.
Program and discussion: http://fora.tv/fora/showthread.php?t=2504
(Comment: Comes across at first as a bit too touchy-feely for me but it is definitely worth the listen. The technique Needleman describes would be awesome for an in-class exercise).

No comments: