Former UVA provost to lead public discussion on history and civil discourse at UVA

Dr. Arthur Garson Jr., former University of Virginia provost and School of Medicine dean, will return to UVA on Oct. 22 for a public discussion at the Center for Politics. The event will focus on his book and on using historical controversy to model debate, critical thinking and civil discourse.

Why it matters: - The UVA event ties historical debate to a broader push for civil discourse at a time when public disagreement is often polarized. - Garson’s book is framed as a tool for helping readers weigh competing views and think more carefully about how to disagree. - The discussion is open to the public, which broadens its reach beyond UVA students and faculty.

What happened: - Dr. Arthur “Tim” Garson Jr. will return to the University of Virginia on Thursday, Oct. 22, for a public discussion at the Center for Politics. - The discussion will center on Garson’s book, Five Thousand Years of Controversies: A Family’s Journey Through World History. - The event begins at 3 p.m. ET at UVA’s Center for Politics building in Charlottesville, Va. - Ken Stroupe, the Center’s associate director and chief of staff, will lead the audience discussion. - The event is open to the public.

The details: - Garson previously served as UVA provost and dean of the School of Medicine. - The book examines major controversies across world history and encourages readers to test assumptions and consider multiple perspectives. - The event will include student debate and an interactive discussion with the audience. - Earlier that day, Garson will join Professor Krishan Humar for a class discussion on his chapter about voyages of discovery, including Marco Polo and Columbus. - That classroom session will be with students in UVA’s Human Society in History course and will not be open to the public. - The debate will focus on whether the benefits of exploration, including new crops and trade, outweighed the damage from diseases introduced to new lands. - Garson is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine. - Garson has authored 595 publications, including 10 books. - Garson has taught or lectured on all seven continents. - Garson currently serves as affiliated faculty at the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs and as clinical professor of population health.

Between the lines: - The event uses a history book to stage a live model of civil disagreement, suggesting UVA is spotlighting debate as a skill as much as an academic subject. - The classroom and public formats together show an effort to connect scholarly discussion with broader community engagement.

What's next: - Garson’s public discussion will take place Oct. 22 at 3 p.m. ET at UVA’s Center for Politics. - The event will give attendees a chance to hear the exploration debate and participate in an audience discussion led by Stroupe. - UVA’s classroom conversation on the same topic will happen earlier that day with students in the Human Society in History course.