R: Grow up.

Tuesday, April 16th at 8.00pm

With the newly admitted students in town for Bulldog Days, we will discuss the role of maturity and obligation in our society. Many cultural critics have blamed popular media and the educational system for fostering perpetual adolescence within our generation. If this is true, and like Wendy's lost boys we have resolved to never grow up, this could spell danger and disorder for families, communities, and the state. Fifteen million American children live without a father. Too many men have refused to turn their backs on childish things and become leaders in their families, but why? Is there a maturity gap between women and men, and if so, what are the institutional forces that have caused it? For those in the negative of the resolution, "growing up" might stur up some negative associations, like conformity, compromise, and loss of creativity. Are these things inevitable? Are they even undesirable? Is growing up a choice? Join us for an exciting debate this Tuesday evening at 8pm in the Berkeley Mendenhall Room.

R: Current events are irrelevant

Thursday, April 11th at 7.30pm

It is difficult to live a life isolated from popular culture and current events. We're continually bombarded with news such as Kimye's pregnancy and threats from the Korean Supreme Leader. It's important to reflect on our engagement with these and other pressing issues. How closely ought we follow our local, national, and world news outlets? Will they help us or distract us from our pursuit of timeless truths? Join us this Thursday evening in the Berkeley Mendelhall Room.

R: Never trust a consequentialist

Thursday, April 4th at 7.30pm

It has become terribly démodé to call oneself a utilitarian, but "consequentialism" is quite alright. This moral theory promises real good for society because it allows choices to be evaluated according to the goodness of their actual results. But when it comes down to it, can you trust a consequentialist to keep a secret? Can such a friend be depended upon to follow through on a promise and defend your honor when you are away? It is perhaps more likely that he will eventually betray your friendship to achieve some "good" result. Can rule consequentialists be trusted more often than their act consequentialist brothers? How do we determine if a result is good, anyway? Come share your thoughts at our weekly debate this Thursday evening in the Berkeley Mendenhall Room.

R: Abolish anonymous speech

Thursday, March 28th at 7.30pm

The development of the Internet in the twentieth century allowed for the immediate exchange of ideas on an unprecedented scale. For better or worse, information can arrive at our work-desks with the click of a mouse. Similarly, we now have the power to create and publish content as well as contact friends and strangers with incredible ease and anonymity. This anonymity is easily abused. From the harassment of witnesses in criminal trials to the questionable cyber-attacks carried out by Anonymous, online anonymity is a potential tool for doing evil and getting away with it. Of course, the internet is not the only medium for anonymous speech. Founders Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay published the Federalist Papers under the pseudonym "Publius". What is the end goal of free speech, and should it exist apart from the burden of responsibility and reputation? Come share your thoughts with us (publicly) this Thursday evening in the Berkeley Mendenhall Room.

Toasting Session

Thursday, March 7th at 8.00pm

This Thursday evening, the Federalists will meet for a toasting session to welcome our newest members and to forge bonds of solidarity with potential new members. Join us for a time of reflection, singing and camaraderie as we pass around our toasting cup and gather for our final event before spring break. Afterwards, we will adjourn to Yorkside for milkshakes and pizza - as is traditional.