Call it what you will, the Guild of Polymaths is a project with potential. Anyone who has spent time in coffee shops, pubs, or pool halls, hunched over tea or coffee, beer or wine, debating the ancient debates of the Greeks and Chinese or the modern debates of a globalized society will recognize what this is: a collection of running discussions and debates about questions, some deceptively simple, others fantastically complex. The Guild is a home for criticism and creativity in a comfortable atmosphere and, honestly, it is simply worth doing.
Thus, the Guild. For each debate we will have three to five (typically) scholars, thinkers, and practitioners on or of a relevant subject respond to one question and debate the implications and effects resultant thereof. I'll be editing those up and then posting them herein. You'll get to read them and, in turn, comment and debate yourself.
All we ask is for a little gentility and propriety - no trolls, no slurs, and if possible reference your ideas, theories, and statements whenever appropriate. Think semi-formal - like a tweed sportscoat with a bow-tie, jeans, and some Converse Hi-Tops.
Cheers,
Eric Drummond Smith, PhD
Assistant Professor of Political Science
The University of Virginia's College at Wise
