Former Vassar philosophy professor Barry Lam returns for a Q&A about his new book, Fewer Rules, Better People: The Case for Discretion, with current philosophy faculty member Shivani Radhakrishnan. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Wherever there’s a rule, there is someone with the power to apply or ignore it―or add to it, in the interest of justice. From enforcing chores to issuing life sentences, decision-makers deliver flawed and sometimes arbitrary outcomes. But is their use of discretion good or bad overall? Reframing our understanding of justice and ethics, philosopher Barry Lam argues that while use of discretion―whether by a sports referee, a parent, a police officer, or a judge―can never be perfect, removing it has even more problematic effects.

Sponsored by the Philosophy Department.

This event is open to the public.