Americans look upon the events surrounding the founding of our Republic with reverence and awe. The men responsible for that founding are revered for their extraordinary vision, wisdom, and sagacity. But do we truly “know” these men? This course will explore the lives, philosophies, and interpersonal dynamics of the “Founding Fathers”, with the goal of gaining a deeper appreciation for who they were, how they behaved and what they accomplished. Class members will read three books by modern historians that analyze the complexities of the founding era and take part in discussions of key themes. We will consider: 1) What life-experiences shaped the thinking of the founders? 2) What philosophical orientations did they bring to the Republic’s founding? 3) How did their relationships with each other influence their actions? A few class volunteers will lead the discussions for each book.
((David Chambers - Wednesday - In-Person))
