Former UVA Provost Returns to Lead Public Discussion on History, Debate, Civil Discourse at UVA’s Center for Politics
Dr. Arthur Garson Jr., will lead a public discussion on Oct. 22, about his book, Five Thousand Years of Controversies:
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Dr. Arthur Garson Jr., will lead a public discussion on Oct. 22, about his book, Five Thousand Years of Controversies: A Family’s Journey Through World History
AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, October 14, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Dr. Arthur “Tim” Garson Jr., former provost of the University of Virginia and dean of its School of Medicine, will return to UVA on Thursday, October 22, for a public discussion at the Center for Politics about his book, Five Thousand Years of Controversies: A Family’s Journey Through World History.
The open to the public event begins at 3 p.m. at UVA’s Center for Politics building and will feature student debate and an interactive discussion with the audience, led by Ken Stroupe, the Center’s Associate Director and Chief of Staff. Garson’s book explores pivotal controversies throughout world history, encouraging readers to examine competing perspectives, question assumptions and consider how historical debates can inform today’s challenges.
Blending history with lessons in critical thinking, communication and civil discourse, the book offers a framework for disagreeing thoughtfully rather than simply taking sides. Earlier that day, Garson will join Professor Krishan Humar to discuss his chapter on voyages of discovery, from Marco Polo to Columbus, with students in UVA’s “Human Society in History” course that is not open to the public.
The debate will examine whether the benefits of exploration, including new crops and trade, outweighed the devastating impact of diseases introduced to new lands. Garson, an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine, has authored 595 publications, including 10 books, and has taught or lectured on all seven continents. He currently serves as affiliated faculty at the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs and as Clinical Professor of Population Health.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Public discussion of Five Thousand Years of Controversies: A Family’s Journey Through World History
When: Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET
Where: Center for Politics building, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.
Admission: Open to the public
Link to the event
Emily Southard
Stoney Creek Publishing
Emily.South@FreeAssociationEditorial.com
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