Am I my brother’s keeper? The answer to this question is not always an easy one. Political affiliations, religious beliefs, personal experiences—how we measure our responsibility to the world around us and the people in it is determined by an array of values and principles as unique as the individuals that possess them.

This installment of the Illinois Humanities Council’s (Un)common Good series will explore the role of the individual versus the collective in solving our social and economic challenges. Together, the audience and panelists will work through hypothetical accounts of people in need. What does a policy professional have to say about providing aid to illegal immigrants? Where does a religious leader stand on the issue of Medicaid? The audience votes in real time for the panelist they are most interested in hearing from.

Panelists include: Reverend Jerry Doss, Pastor, Abundant Faith Christian Center; Kendra Hansel, B.A. Legal Studies, University of Illinois-Springfield; Joelle Knoles, board member of M.E.R.C.Y. Communities; Kristina Rasmussen, Executive Vice President, Illinois Policy Institute;
and Peter Wenz, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, University of Illinois-Springfield (facilitator).

What will the results say about us and our values? The format of this program is aimed at illuminating what is at the heart of this debate—not the voices of talking heads, but the beliefs and views that dictate the decisions we make every day.

The (Un)Common Good is a public program series organized by the Illinois Humanities Council that brings people together across ideological platforms to discuss controversial issues in thoughtful, respectful, yet passionate ways.

“What’s Fair?” is presented in partnership with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Benedictine University at Springfield, Citizens Club of Springfield, Illinois Channel, Illinois Policy Institute, Old State Capitol, and University of Illinois at Springfield.

Recorded Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library.