Roots of Knowledge panel R1 illustrates the revolutionary era at the turn of the nineteenth century, including the French and American Revolutions. The monist intellectual framework of the French Revolution—exemplified by a “left-right” political spectrum—led to totalitarian tyranny, while the pluralist intellectual framework of the American Revolution, as seen in the Federalist Papers, led to constitutional democracy. By importing left-right thinking from Europe in the mid-twentieth century, American politics has become increasingly totalitarian. In order for the American democracy to endure, we must get rid of totalitarian left-right thinking and embrace pluralism.
More about the Presenter
Verlan Lewis is the stirling professor of constitutional studies at UVU, where he researches, teaches, and writes about American political thought and institutions. Verlan's writing has been published by The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Political Science Quarterly, Studies in American Political Development, Presidential Studies Quarterly, and Perspectives on Political Science, among others. At UVU, he teaches courses on American politics, the U.S. Constitution, American political thought, and American political institutions. He earned graduate degrees from Cambridge University and the University of Virginia, and has held academic fellowships at Stanford University and Harvard University. His recent co-authored book, The Myth of Left and Right, shows how the familiar left-right political spectrum harms America by undermining constitutional government in the United States.
All are invited to attend this free themed tour of Roots of Knowledge. Faculty, students, and staff from across campus have prepared to present on topics they are experts in or have done recent research about. This month’s theme explores Environmental History. Free popcorn for all and prizes for those who visit at least four stops along the tour. If you are interested in presenting at one of the stops in a themed tour please reach out.
All are invited to attend this free themed tour of Roots of Knowledge. Faculty, students, and staff from across campus have prepared to present on topics they are experts in or have done recent research about. This month’s theme explores Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage. Free popcorn for all and prizes for those who visit at least four stops along the tour. If you are interested in presenting at one of the stops in a themed tour please reach out.
All are invited to attend this free themed tour of Roots of Knowledge. Faculty, students, and staff from across campus have prepared to present on topics they are experts in or have done recent research about. This month’s theme explores LGBTQIA+ History. Free popcorn for all and prizes for those who visit at least four stops along the tour. If you are interested in presenting at one of the stops in a themed tour please reach out.
All are invited to attend this free themed tour of Roots of Knowledge. Faculty, students, and staff from across campus have prepared to present on topics they are experts in or have done recent research about. This month’s theme explores Technology History. Free popcorn for all and prizes for those who visit at least four stops along the tour. If you are interested in presenting at one of the stops in a themed tour please reach out.
All are invited to attend this free themed tour of Roots of Knowledge. Faculty, students, and staff from across campus have prepared to present on topics they are experts in or have done recent research about. This month’s theme explores Medical History. Free popcorn for all and prizes for those who visit at least four stops along the tour. If you are interested in presenting at one of the stops in a themed tour please reach out.
All are invited to attend this free themed tour of Roots of Knowledge. Faculty, students, and staff from across campus have prepared to present on topics they are experts in or have done recent research about. This month’s theme explores Hispanic Heritage. Free popcorn for all and prizes for those who visit at least four stops along the tour. If you are interested in presenting at one of the stops in a themed tour please reach out.
All are invited to attend this free themed tour of Roots of Knowledge. Faculty, students, and staff from across campus have prepared to present on topics they are experts in or have done recent research about. This month’s theme explores Accessibility. Free popcorn for all and prizes for those who visit at least four stops along the tour. If you are interested in presenting at one of the stops in a themed tour please reach out.
All are invited to attend this free themed tour of Roots of Knowledge. Faculty, students, and staff from across campus have prepared to present on topics they are experts in or have done recent research about. This month’s theme explores Native American History. Free popcorn for all and prizes for those who visit at least four stops along the tour. If you are interested in presenting at one of the stops in a themed tour please reach out.
