Columbia Undergraduate Scholars Program

CUSP THEMES 2006-2007

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“EXCAVATING THE TRUTH”

Philosophers continue to debate numerous theories of truth: what constitutes the truth, how to define it, whether it is objective, subjective, absolute, relative; how or whether it is related to knowledge.  Our theme this year does not focus specifically on these fundamental philosophical debates, but rather explores the "Process" of Excavation of the Truth.

 

"Ex-cavation,"  the "drawing forth from within, from deep down," involving a necessary process of elimination, of purification and distillation, suggests a certain effort on the part of the "excavator," but also excitement in the face of the unknown, nervousness at the adventure of discovery, and resolve born from the unspoken  understanding that there is indeed something to "un-cover."

Whether from the vantage point of psychiatry and the military psyche, journalism and reporting, creative and documentary   filmmaking, business ethics, scientific research, writing, music and performance, our speakers this year share the excitement of their search for a Truth, and explore the relationship between working hypotheses and blind adventure fueled by creativity.

  • Jonathan Shay, MD/PHD; Acclaimed author; Staff Psychiatrist, VA Outpatient Clinic, Boston, MA; Former Chair of Ethics, Leadership, and Personnel Policy; Office of the US Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel
  • Arlene Morgan, Associate Dean of Programs & Prizes, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism; Former Assistant Managing Editor, The Philadelphia Inquirer; Recipient, Knight Ridder Excellence Award for Diversity
  • Jason Garrett Lewis, Award winning filmmaker, producer, and published photographer; Producer/Director, Dare to Eat A Peach Productions; Founder, Jason Garrett Lewis Photography
  • Ougie Pak, Screenwriter, independent filmmaker, and producer; Founder, Ouri Productions; Finalist, 2006 Tropfest @ Tribeca Film Festival (for his film 100% Perfect Girl); Fellow, 2006 Pusan International Film Festival
  • Albert Maysles; Documentary filmmaker; Emmy Award winner & Academy Award nominee; Best Cinematography, Sundance Film Festival (2000)
  • Henry Kaiser, Former Senior Instructor, Underwater Scientific Research, University of California at Berkeley; Member, United States Antarctic Program; Explorer & underwater photographer; Innovative & groundbreaking guitarist
  • Erica Jong, Member, CUSP Board of Advisors; Award-winning poet, essayist, & novelist New York Times International Bestselling Author; President, The Author’s Guild of the U.S. (1991-93)