Lee University’s Department of Political Science welcomed Dr. Daniel Burns for his lecture, “A Political Theorist Goes to Washington: My Year in the Federal Government.” The event was hosted on Lee’s campus.
Dr. Burns spoke on his experiences in Washington D.C., serving as both deputy director of the Joint Economic Committee and as a senior policy advisor to the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. His lecture emphasized the difficulty of making philosophically and morally sound legislation during times of crisis.
“It was a delight to have Dr. Burns speak with us, particularly while the mark of the pandemic is so fresh on all of our minds,” said Audrey Haley, a Lee alumna and program coordinator for the event. “Dr. Burns is a remarkable academic, and his insight into the tension between political philosophy and the formation of policy is important and humbling as we move forward as a nation.”
Dr. Burns is an associate professor of politics and interim associate dean in the Constantin College at the University of Dallas, where he teaches courses on both ancient and modern political philosophy. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy from Boston College and has written extensively on the intersection of political philosophy and religion, with a particular emphasis on the thought of St. Augustine.
Approximately 40 students and faculty attended the event. There was also an engaging time of Q&A with Dr. Burns after his lecture.
The university upheld precautions taken for COVID-19, requiring attendees to pass the health screening, wear a mask for the duration of the event, and maintain social distancing.
The event is part of a continuing series of programming, promoting interdisciplinary discussion on the core elements of a flourishing political community through the lens of the Western tradition.
For information about upcoming events, contact Ms. Haley at ahaley@leeuniversity.edu.