Quandaries at The King's University
Quandaries, a public lecture and podcast series at The King’s University, approaches contemporary moral dilemmas with wisdom in an age where we tend to react or withdraw too quickly. Each lecture, and accompanying podcast conversation, engages current issues and concerns, extending an invitation to be part of God’s story of renewal.
Hosted by Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Jeffrey Dudiak, Quandaries is about having moral conversations and tough dialogues well.
Live Events, First Tuesday of the Month
November–April
Refreshments and doors open: 7:00 p.m.
Q&A with guest speaker: 8:30 p.m.
Quandaries: Perspicacious perfectionism
January 09, 2024
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
N102 - The King's University
In our culture of hustle and productivity, how do we manage pressure to perform and to be perfect?
The expectations that others have of us, and the expectations we have for ourselves, can be paralyzing— leading to procrastination and even avoidance. Other times these expectations can be motivating, fulling our fire to work hard. In both scenarios, expectations can lead to anxiety, depression and lower self-esteem. Our drive to be perfect would benefit from wisdom and psychological flexibility.
Christopher Lee is a practising intern psychologist in Edmonton and a former Christian Reformed Church pastor. He implements an integrated approach to treating clients anchored in authenticity, empathy, curiosity, and compassion.
Quandaries: Traditional African medicine—nothing but voodoo?
February 06, 2024
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
N102 - The King's University
How might the philosophical foundations underpinning traditional African medicine intersect with the principles of evidence-based medicine? A compelling analysis suggests what’s needed is a transformative proposal to decolonize the practice of medicine, fostering a more inclusive and culturally aware healthcare landscape. Join us on a journey of philosophical discovery and social change in healthcare.
Morẹ́nikẹ́ Ọláòṣebìkan was born in Nigeria during the height of the HIV epidemic and grew up with an awareness of health inequities in African countries. The Ribbon Rouge event she organized as an undergraduate to raise funds for HIV efforts has become an international organization that works for health equity in Canada and has special consultative status with the United Nations. In 2021, the pharmacist and business owner founded Kemet Group, a startup that aims to boost drug-manufacturing capacity in Africa. In 2022, Ọláòṣebìkan built a software platform that tackled an immediate crisis in children’s pain medication as part of its larger work to reformulate drugs to improve patient experiences.
Quandaries: The Duty and the Danger of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
March 05, 2024
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
N102 - The King's University
EDI is now a common part of our public institutions; however, it is extraordinarily controversial. Some see it as a necessary corrective to injustice—both past and present—others see it as perpetuating inequality in a different form. It's hard to have a calm discussion: identity politics undergirding EDI initiatives heighten emotional responses to these situations. In this talk, we will try to untangle some of these issues.
Dr. Janet Wesselius is an alum of The King's University and Professor of Philosophy at the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta. Her career includes serving as Associate Dean of Teaching, board chair of Citizens for Public Justice, and chair of the eco-justice committee at Kairos.
Quandaries: Hope & Dignity: A Catholic Response to MAID
April 02, 2024
7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
N102 - The King's University
Archbishop Richard Smith is the seventh Archbishop of Edmonton and President of the Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories. He has taken the motto “Fiat Voluntas Tua” (Thy Will Be Done). Archbishop Smith is currently an adviser to the Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute and is a member of the Catholic Organization for Life and Family.