Hammond Addresses Philosophy Club

On Tuesday April 21, the JMU Philosophy Club hosted Dr. Scott Hammond, a political science professor with a specialty in ancient political thought. Dr. Hammond took the philosophy club through Plato’s Symposium, offering an analysis of different tensions between philosophy and other disciplines such as politics. He noted how, within the text, politics is depicted as a chaotic force which can be restrained but only by philosophy. Without philosophy, politics runs wild, or so Plato thought. These ancient texts stay continuously relevant, showing that the conflicts we see in our modern day have existed long before us.

This meeting also showed students how close philosophy and political science run. Many philosophy majors also major in political science, and for good reason. As discussed by Dr. Hammond, these disciplines are and have been linked for two millennia. Yes, political science can operate without philosophy, but its most complete form is joined with philosophy. This talk reminded us that power must be wielded with rationality and reason, a worthy reminder in tumultuous times.  

The Philosophy Club will have their final meeting of the spring semester on Tuesday, May 5th. This will not be a typical meeting but a symposium with catered food and music.