At the origins of the Western tradition we find the simultaneous rise of the humanities and the rise of the idea of the trial. Cicero’s Murder Trials can be seen as an exemplary model of how to implement Aristotle’s Rhetoric. Cicero does what Aristotle theorizes, and an enduring case can be made for humanistic education through the unfolding of the murder trial. Perhaps the discontents of our time are overplayed.

Lunch will be provided. Spaces are limited; those wishing to attend should RSVP here.

Norma Thompson is Associate Director of the Whitney Humanities Center and Senior Lecturer in the Humanities at Yale University.