Faculty essays featured on new Web site commemorating end of the millennium

Reflections 2000, a new Web site featuring a series of essays written by University faculty members, commemorates the end of the millennium.

Reflecting on the past and looking toward the future, faculty members will challenge readers through their commentaries on issues ranging from law and religion to politics and the environment.

Located at http://www.uchicago.edu/millennium, Reflections 2000 was introduced this week with an essay written by Geoffrey Stone, University Provost and the Harry Kalven Jr. Distinguished Service Professor in the Law School.

The idea for the project first surfaced this past fall at the annual Deans and Officers retreat during the course of an after-dinner discussion about how the mission and values of the University might best be expressed as part of the celebration of the millennium, said Stone.

In inviting members of the faculty to contribute to this project, Stone observed that “the subject of your essay is entirely up to you and is limited only by your creativity and imagination. You might discuss what lies ahead in your field, what you consider the most compelling questions for succeeding generations, or what you predict will be the most fundamental challenges in the future in education, science, economics, medicine, law or human welfare.

“This project is an opportunity to remind the world that the University of Chicago is a uniquely interesting and stimulating community built on the wisdom and creativity of its members.”

The site encourages participation, offering readers the opportunity to respond with their opinions through an informal poll. Statistical results will be provided to inform readers of the general opinion on a given topic.