Byrne Institute

ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMMING FOR HOUSTON INSTITUTE [HI IS AN INDEPENDENT ACADEMIC NON-PROFIT WHOSE MISSION IS TO HELP THE PEOPLE OF RICE UNIVERSITY THINK DEEPLY ABOUT THE BEST WAY TO LIVE THROUGH THE STUDY OF THE LIBERAL ARTS, ESPECIALLY PHILOSOPHY AND LITERATURE. WE SEEK TO FOSTER INTELLECTUAL FRIENDSHIP FOCUSED ON QUESTIONS OF WHAT IS TRUE, GOOD, AND BEAUTIFUL, ON ENCOUNTERING THE BEST THAT HAS BEEN SAID AND THOUGHT ON QUESTIONS OF MEANING AND VALUE WITH A FOCUS ON THE WESTERN TRADITION. WE SEEK TO PROMOTE A CULTURE OF FREE EXPRESSION, WHERE PEOPLE ACROSS IDEOLOGICAL LINES CAN HAVE MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS. THOUGH WE HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST IN VIRTUE AND HUMAN FLOURISHING AS UNDERSTOOD IN THE TRADITION OF ARISTOTLE AND ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, WE READ A RANGE OF HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY THINKERS IN A FAIR-MINDED WAY. ANY STUDENT INTERESTED IN SERIOUS INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT IN A SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP IS MOST WELCOME. THIS GRANT WOULD SUPPORT SOME OF OUR CORE READING GROUPS, SALONS, AND A PUBLIC DEBATE DURING AY 2025-2026.]