Ethically Speaking is our lecture series on ethics in public life where the year’s headline speaker shares how we can improve as individuals and societies. Faculty, students, and the wider community are all welcome to the wine and cheese reception and presentation.

Guest Speaker: Barry Lam, Professor of Philosophy at University of California Riverside

In his book, Fewer Rules Better People, Barry Lam proposes that the proliferation of rules and mandates is making us dumber, less moral, more deceptive, and less able to govern important institutions. He asks us to reframe our understanding of justice and ethics, arguing that while use of discretion—whether by a sports referee, a parent, a police officer, or a judge—can never be perfect, removing it has even more problematic effects. Mandatory arrests and sentencing laws have not eliminated bias, but have corrupted the courtroom, institutionalized lying, and brought about even more unjust and arbitrary results. Join us April 9 to hear and question Dr. Lam on his bold proposal!

Event Schedule:
5 p.m. | Wine and Cheese Reception
6 p.m. | Presentation and Q&A
7 p.m. | Event Concludes

Ethically Speaking is part of Ethics Week 2026.