Centenary College's Forum Presents Should Some Art Be Censored? March 1

Discussion will look at questions about art and aesthetics

SHREVEPORT, La.— The Forum, an annual event that examines a social issue in open-to-the public sessions, will address "Should Some Art Be Censored?" during a two-part public series beginning Monday, March 1 at Centenary College.

But Is It Art?

Philosopher and author Dr. Cynthia Freeland, chair of the Philosophy Department at the University of Houston, will discuss the issue of the intersection of art and morality beginning at 7 p.m. in Kilpatrick Auditorium in the Smith Building on the College campus. She argues that if some art is so bad, so immoral, should it be censored?

In her book, But is it Art?, Freeland explains why innovation and controversy are valued in the arts, weaving together philosophy, art theory, and many engrossing examples. She discusses blood, beauty, culture, money, museums, sex, and politics, clarifying contemporary and historical accounts of the nature, function, and interpretation of the arts. Freeland propels us into the future by surveying art web sites and CD-ROMs, along with cutting-edge research on the brain's role in perceiving art.

The Forum will then present the second part of the Forum on Monday, March 8, also at 7 p.m. in Kilpatrick Auditorium in the Smith Building. This will be a follow-up to Dr. Freeland's presentation when a group of Centenary students and members of the Shreveport Times' Citizen Editorial Board will continue the discussion that Dr. Freeland began the previous week. A question and answer period will follow.

Dr. Chris Ciocchetti, associate professor of philosophy, coordinates the annual event, which presents discussions on various social issues and opposing points of view, and then features responses from students and members of the local community as well as audience questions.

Both events are free and open to the public. For further information, contact Dr. Ciocchetti at 318.869.5246 or visit the Forum web page at www.centenary.edu/forum.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.