ABOUT THE SOCRATIC STAGE DIALOGUE SERIES

The New College of Florida Office of Public Policy Events seeks to advance free speech, civil discourse, and fearless dialogue through facilitating events that foster open discussion and debate on relevant public policy issues. Such debates or group forums provide opportunity for a wide range of viewpoints and perspectives to be presented. These events are open to the public and include speakers from within and without the state university community that hold broadly divergent and opposing perspectives.

For questions about The Socratic Stage events, please contact:

Director of Public Policy Events [email protected]

To join the mailing list, sign up at the bottom of this page.

Fall 2025 Socratic Stage Events

Climate, Covid, and the Politicization of Science

 Roger Pielke Jr. and Frank Alcock

October 28th, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Mildred Sainer Pavilion – New College of Florida

Join us at New College of Florida for an engaging conversation on the intersection of science, politics, and public trust. Renowned policy scholar Roger Pielke Jr. and New College Professor of Political Science and Environmental Studies Frank Alcock will explore how scientific research becomes entangled with political agendas, media narratives, and cultural debates. From climate change to the Covid-19 pandemic, the discussion will examine what happens when scientific evidence collides with polarized public discourse—and what that means for democracy, policy, and the role of experts in society.

The program will include a moderated discussion followed by an open Q&A session with the audience. The event will take place at 6:00 PM on October 28th in the Mildred Sainer Pavilion. See you there!

Psychedelics, Healers, and CIA Mind Controllers

Tom O’Neil and Rick Doblin

November 12th, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Mildred Sainer Pavilion – New College of Florida

Join us for an eye-opening evening titled “Psychedelics, Healers, and CIA Mind Controllers” on Tuesday, November 12 at 6:00 PM in the Mildred Sainer Pavilion at New College of Florida. Speakers Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and Tom O’Neill, investigative journalist and author of CHAOS: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties, will explore the hidden intersections of psychedelic research, healing, and government experimentation. This event dives into the controversial history and future of altered states, therapy, and control — and the fine line between liberation and manipulation.