Author and Theologian Michael Ward Delivers Third Drummond Lecture on “C.S. Lewis and the Objectivity of Value”
Casey Wheatland and Sarah Akey present on Machiavelli and Locke respectively
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Michael Ward, noted theologian and C.S. Lewis expert, delivered the third lecture in the Drummond Lecture Series at Christ Chapel on March 24. His talk, titled “To See or Not to See: C.S. Lewis and the Objectivity of Value,” addressed Lewis’s arguments concerning moral truth in “The Abolition of Man.”
Ward spoke on the nature of perception, specifically noting that cynicism may drastically limit one’s ability to perceive values like truth and beauty. “Radical cynicism is self-defeating,” he said, “Only if the universe is fundamentally good do we have grounds for criticizing the places where it goes bad.”
Ward also promoted an intellectually humble and compassionate approach to debates. Touching on the culture of disagreement in Lewis’s classroom, he observed, “[Lewis] did not ask or expect people to share his convictions, but he did argue for the reasonableness of his convictions.”
In order to change others’ perspectives, Ward encouraged his audience to prioritize respect, humility, and patience. “If [your interlocutors] feel respected, they’ll be more inclined to respect in return, to listen, to learn, and even, potentially, to change their minds and see what you see.”
Reflecting on the event, David Whalen, professor of English at Hillsdale College, said, “Michael Ward, a cherished friend of the College, has a great gift for treating profundities with the grace and illumination they deserve but rarely receive.”
The Drummond Lecture Series at Christ Chapel addresses matters of faith, learning, and related issues of the day. These lectures are delivered in Christ Chapel to the College community.
View photos of the lecture here.