The values of liberty and equality are deeply rooted in American political culture and our tradition of political thought. Yet these values seem inevitably to conflict; we can have one only by limiting or regulating the other. We will consider whether this conflict can be resolved, and attempt to develop a philosophical understanding of freedom and equality.

At one time, American history was written largely biographically, focusing almost exclusively on politicians, business leaders, and other powerful white men. But ordinary people have a history too. In this seminar, we will cover the expanse of American history by exploring biographical portraits of non-elite women, children, and men.

We will read Julio Cortázar’s celebrated novel 62: A Model Kit with the aid of his short stories. Each class session will begin with a different story that will guide our discussion toward a unique set of questions as we explore Cortázar’s longer work.

Scott Turow and Judge Richard Posner will talk about the future of books, authors, and libraries in the digital age at the next “Conversations at the Newberry,” a new series of discussions to generate thought-provoking discourse for and frame important questions about enduring issues that are timely today.