Where Principles Meet Practice
Parrhesia (par-uh-ZEE-uh), to speak freely and openly, signifies the Program's commitment to fostering vigorous, inclusive, and productive discourse on campus and in communities. Rooted in the University of Chicago Principles of Free Expression, The Parrhesia Public Thought and Discourse program offers innovative undergraduate curriculum, programming, and outreach in freedom of expression and the theory and practice of discourse.
The Program follows a holistic approach to free expression and public discourse, recognizing that the classroom is only one space among many in which students exchange their ideas and views and that free expression must be practiced non scholae, sed vitae. In concentric circles, the Program is structured to radiate outward beyond the immediate space of the University. With an education in discourse, students and graduates of the Parrhesia program learn to engage with and make a difference in their communities.
Parrhesia's Many Facets
Parrhesia Summer Academy
The Parrhesia Summer Academy offers courses and seminars for high school and college educators and students.
Night Owls
The Department of Philosophy's Night Owls series features late-night, faculty-led conversations on big questions designed to inspire students' own philosophical explorations.
Program for Public Thinking
An initiative dedicated to the promotion of a more thoughtful, humane, and pluralistic public conversation.
College Curriculum
The Parrhesia undergraduate curriculum is focused on scholarship and practice of public discourse.
Science Communication
Combining theory and practice, the Minor prepares students to communicate about scientific findings, practices, and culture across a wide range of popular formats including print, audio, video, and exhibits.
Undergraduate Research
The Parrhesia Program supports undergraduate research studying key concepts, issues, events, etc. connected to free speech, academic freedom, public discourse, censorship, modern communication and media cultures, to name just a few.
Upcoming Events
Haven, a multimedia role-playing game that is designed to introduce you to UChicago’s academic culture, and to help you form connections with other students before arriving on campus this fall.
Storytelling, down to a science
A new minor bridges the growing gap between researchers and the public.
By Rory McGann, Class of 2025 | The University of Chicago Magazine — Winter/25
Chicago space historian on the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission
By CBS News
Mavis Staples, legendary singer and activist, returns to UChicago to inspire next generation
By Tori Lee
Atlantic Writer Elizabeth Bruenig Kicks Off New Public Thinking Lecture Series
By Clare Malhotra
At UChicago, undergraduate program puts free expression into practice
By Emily R. Ehret