Virtue and Politics
A discussion with Robin Lovin and Dallas Gingles.
7 p.m., March 4, 2025. Alumni and Friends Center Ballroom. Free and open to the public.
The idea of virtue seems out of place in our political experience of division, gridlock, and disinformation. But at the beginning of our history, Aristotle defined virtue as the habits of thought and action that are necessary for successful politics, for life together in the city (polis). As a starting point for discussion, we will see this longer historical perspective suggests some new uses for old-fashioned ideas that help us beyond today’s polarized politics.
Dr. Robin Lovin, the Cary M. Maguire University Professor of Ethics at SMU since 2001, has written and taught about moral theology across several disciplines. He previously served for eight years as dean of SMU’s Perkins School of Theology.
Dr. Dallas Gingles’, Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at SMU, teaching specialties include ethics and systematic theology.