Idle Chat, Active Minds
Welcome
Here, we set up a number of post-class chats on nothing of note with the most practised university residents:
the Professors.
The Concept
Born in 2020
Peering through the haze of lost history, we see professors of the old school donning those black, airy, mysterious robes, fingers extended out in lecture theatres filled with mangled on-the-spot translations of Latin, Greek. There, we see a time of acrid formality, structure against which the turtlenecked, first-named profs of today seem to react. But we are wont to forget that after those classrooms were empty, as today, student and teacher alike would hook their gowns on dusty, black coat-racks and pour out easy locutions over wine and nosh.
So then, now, let us leave the classroom! And let’s talk of the things of the present, of Pop Smoke and of Politics! Let us join together and drink in the conversation as we did in times of old. Lecturer, student, and teacher, nay—merely people, seeking solace from pandemic perhaps but united in one desire for novel talk. So leave your gowns at home, and come join us for a chat—or simply tune in if you wish. There is room for all.
Idle Chat, Active Minds
For what?
We hope to create an informal environment in which professors and undergraduates converse in a manner both everyday and academic.
Accordingly, we arrange for a couple of respected professors to sit down and have a chat, with each other, with you, and with us. We then market the event to undergraduates of all stripes. But this is not a panel, or a lecture. There is no topic assigned, prepared or defended; we simply want to enable a conversation and, if someone asks a question, hear talk.
It’s meant to be informal and it’s meant to be fun. Questions don't always need answers, responses suffice.
Why the name?
Professors Without Gowns
We chose our name, Professors Without Gowns, after having initially considered the name “Questions without Answers.” Today, gowns are often reserved for the most formal academic events, like graduation and investiture, but traditionally they were commonplace in the classroom.
For us, our name recalls the old formality of gown-wearing and then questions that rigid, structured academia. Our open table conversations give us all a chance to see academia without the formality; thus, we set aside the gowns and have a conversation.
A Deficit of Deliberation
The ancient romans, before making major strategic changes, would discuss plans thoroughly in the day, come to a decision and adjourn. Then, in the evening, after having gotten boozey over dinner, they would reconvene and start from the top. If the consensus after both discussions, one in sober formality and the other in relaxed intoxication, was not the same, the change would not be made.
The principle holds in academia, too. In lectures and tutorials, our discussions are bound to the clock. Ideas not pertinent to the discussion at hand are distractions, tangents—not to be discussed. What we want is a place to ask the irrelevant questions, to float ideas, to make jokes.
Our only plan is not to have a plan, and we’ll see where the conversation leads. It is purely for the fun of talking with others.
Upcoming Event
For lack of beer, conversation.
Whether its Mariah Carey, Louis Armstrong or Lessons and Carols for you over break,
we hope to enjoy it to the fullest!
And stay tuned for when we return to conversation in late January.
We're hoping to have a conversation about Music. Is it really that influenced by theology?
Some say it is, but how?
No events at the moment
Organiser Team
School of Divinity, University of St Andrews
Yeah, we read Theology. You know, bible stuff.
Our organisers, though, are from around the world and are interested in bringing back a style of academic conversation which we feel has been lost at university. Each of us would be delighted to have you join in at one of our events, ask us about the concept, or even how best to copy the idea at your school!
Professors in Conversation
Great minds who graced us in previous conversations.
Mario I Aguilar
Professor of Religion and Politics
For lack of beer, conversation.
| Wednesday 4 November 2020 |
Prof Mario I Aguilar and Prof Christoph Schwöbel of the St Andrews School of Divinity joined us online for a wee chat. Conversation ranged from eastern religion and constitutional monarchies to personal anecdotes and laughter.
| Wednesday 2 December 2020 |
Prof Sabine Hyland of the Schools of Anthropology and Divinity and Prof Judith Wolfe of the School of Divinity at St Andrews joined us online for our second conversation. Topics ranged from the decoding of Khipus in Peru, the fall of Rome and the power of prophecy.
Participants came from all walks of life and we wonder who will join next... will you?
Get in touch with us!
Simply send us an email for additional information or if you have any questions about the upcoming event.
