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Philosophy/Parr Center Outreach Program
The aim of the joint Philosophy/Parr Center Outreach Program is to use the intellectual
resources of the Philosophy Department and the Parr Center (i) to help people in the
local community think carefully and clearly about a broad range of ideas, commitments,
and practices that regularly shape their lives, and (ii) to get them excited about
philosophy and ethics.
The Outreach Program is motivated by the conviction that philosophical activity and
ethical thought contribute to a flourishing life by helping us to develop a sense of
ourselves and the world around us through reflection on our beliefs and values.
Through our community partnerships, Outreach participants (including UNC
undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty) facilitate philosophical and ethical
discussions and guide community members as they explore interesting and important
questions together.
In 2018-2019, Outreach volunteers led approximately 160 community discussions
about ethics and philosophy in Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. These included:
● nearly 30 discussions for children in classrooms and afterschool programs at two
elementary schools: Durham Academy (1st grade) and Chapel Hill’s Ephesus
Elementary (K-5th grade). These discussions were led by Carolina undergraduate and
graduate students.
● nearly 60 discussions for high school students. In the fall, Carolina undergraduates
worked regularly with students at six area high schools to help prepare them for the
2019 North Carolina High School Ethics Bowl. In addition, Outreach volunteers met
with members of Hillside High School’s Ethics Club throughout the school year and
helped support Hillside’s 4th Annual Summer Send Off High School Ethics Bowl
competition, in which four teams competed. The Outreach Program was proud to
establish a new partnership this year with Phoenix Academy, an alternative school in
the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools system which serves students who have typically
had difficulty at traditional high schools. Outreach volunteers created and led a regular
Philosophy Club at Phoenix Academy.
● more than 70 discussions for residents of four area retirement communities.
Outreach volunteers worked with participants to choose topics, select short readings,
and facilitate these weekly or bi-monthly conversations.
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