On Becoming Alan Dershowitz

“People forget that in 1933 at the University of Munich, the first people to burn books were students. The first killings that took place under Stalin were students. Castro’s revolution was brought about by students. Mao’s revolution was brought about by students.”

Ralston College presents a conversation between Stephen Blackwood and Alan Dershowitz, followed by an audience Q & A. The discussion begins with Professor Dershowitz describing the early influences that awakened his appreciation for civil liberties—particularly free speech—and the origins of his fiercely independent thinking. The subsequent conversation and response to questions touches on the decline of meritocracy, the principles of the Civil Rights Movement, the role of universities and intellectuals in revolution and tyranny, and the ways in which a culture of free inquiry is fundamental to human flourishing.

The event took place online on April 28th, 2021.

Artists, Art, and Writings Mentioned in this Episode

H.N. Bialik, "The City of Slaughter"
Adolf von Hildebrand