Rockefeller hosts 2008 IQ2 debates

Intelligence Squared U.S., an organization dedicated to expanding and enlivening public discourse through debate, will hold several debates in Caspary Auditorium this year. The events, geared toward a public audience and broadcast via NPR, feature panels of experts arguing questions of current cultural and political import.

IQ²US is modeled on the original organization, founded in London in 2002 by media entrepreneur John Gordon and editor in chief of The Week Jeremy O’Grady. Their mission is to encourage public fora for Oxford-style debate that “transcends the toxically emotional and the reflexively ideological.” The American chapter was launched in 2006 by The Rosenkranz Foundation, a grant-making organization that supports innovative projects in public policy, higher education and the arts. The first two seasons, hosted by the Asia Society and Museum, were almost entirely sold out.

Each debate is emceed by one moderator, with two or three panelists to argue for the motion at hand and two or three panelists to oppose it. After a wine reception that kicks off every event at 6 p.m., audience members are invited by the moderator to cast their initial votes for or against the evening’s motion. Following debate by both sides, the floor is opened to audience questions, and after concluding summaries from each side, the audience vote is recast.

This year’s series began September 16 with a debate on whether universal health coverage is the responsibility of the federal government. The remaining fall program will feature debates on whether America is winning the war in Iraq; whether guns control crime; and whether Google violates its own “don’t be evil” motto. Additional debates will be held at other venues throughout the year, and some will be televised.

Tickets are required to attend all events. Some debates are already sold out. For more information on IQ²US or to purchase tickets, visit: www.intelligencesquaredus.org.