Editor's note

Aristotle coined the term “enthymeme” to explain how different words and arguments resonate in one community but not in others. What was persuasive in Athens, he noted, might not play in Sparta. According to Texas A&M rhetorical scholar Jennifer Mercieca, the enthymemes that used to undergird American culture and politics are starting to disappear. “Without a mutually shared understanding of facts, words and values, a culture cannot endure,” she writes.

University campuses are natural places for difficult discussions about why the same words can mean different things to different people. But how does one promote free speech on campus and still maintain safety and an inclusive environment? This August will mark one year since the white supremacist rally on the grounds of the University of Virginia and the tragic death of a counter-demonstrator. We asked three university presidents – Connie Ledoux Book of Elon University, Ana Mari Cauce of the University of Washington and Clayton Rose of Bowdoin College – whether free speech should be treated differently on campus than in the rest of society, and if so, how?

And pretty much anyone who’s lived with a pet has wondered how old their furry friend is in “dog years” or “cat years.” Mississippi State’s Jesse Grady explains that veterinarians like him are more concerned about what stage of life your companion animal is in rather than an exact number – but he’ll help you out with some rough age equivalents too.

Nick Lehr

Arts + Culture Editor

Top stories

The culture war isn’t just playing out on the streets. It’s also a struggle over the dominant understanding of certain words. AP Photo/John Minchillo

America is in the middle of a battle over the meaning of words like 'diversity'

Jennifer Mercieca, Texas A&M University

Aristotle coined the term "enthymeme" to refer to arguments, words and ideas that are broadly accepted among the people of a nation. So what happens when enthymemes start to disappear?

A crowd gathers around speakers during a rally for free speech near the University of California, Berkeley campus. Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP

How free should speech on campus be?

Ana Mari Cauce, University of Washington; Clayton Rose, Bowdoin College; Connie Ledoux Book, Elon University

As the one-year anniversary of the tragedy in Charlottesville nears, we asked the presidents of Bowdoin, Elon and the University of Washington whether free speech should be treated diffferently on campus.

Did anyone check the number of candles on here? KikoStock/Shutterstock.com

How old is my pet in dog years or cat years? A veterinarian explains

Jesse Grady, Mississippi State University

Based on his age in 'dog years,' could your animal pal legally buy alcohol? Or would he be cashing in on his senior discount? Veterinarians are more interested in life stage than a particular number.

Science + Technology

Politics + Society

  • Israel’s new nation-state law restates the obvious

    Dov Waxman, Northeastern University

    Rather than transform Israel into an undemocratic 'apartheid' state, the new nation-state law is more likely to ensure that Israel can't be transformed into a liberal democracy or binational state.

  • Putin the hero

    Brian Taylor, Syracuse University

    When Putin looks in the mirror, what does he see? Not an aggressor as so many are depicting him in the West, but rather a defender of a wounded and misunderstood nation.

Economy + Business

Ethics + Religion

  • What is behind belief in weeping Virgin Mary statues

    Mathew Schmalz, College of the Holy Cross

    Throughout Catholic history, miracles have been attributed to Virgin Mary's power. She is understood to cry not only over the sins of the world, but over the pain she experienced in her earthly life.

Health + Medicine

  • Why do paper cuts hurt so much?

    Gabriel Neal, Texas A&M University

    Ouch! Who hasn't felt the effects of a paper cut and then cursed the gods or themselves for the injury? But have you ever wondered why they hurt so much? A professor of family medicine explains why.

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  • Who owns the moon? A space lawyer answers

    Frans von der Dunk, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    Forty-nine years ago, on July 20, 1969, American astronauts planted a US flag on the moon. A space lawyer explains the implications, who owns the moon, and what it means for lunar mining.

  • The brainwashing myth

    Rebecca Moore, San Diego State University

    Forty years ago, Rebecca Moore's two sisters helped plan the Jonestown massacre. But she refuses to say they were brainwashed, arguing that it prevents us from truly understanding their behavior.

  • Why Trump hasn't been impeached – and likely won't be

    Jacob Neiheisel, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

    The president won't be removed from office until Republicans in the House decide to support the idea – or the midterms hand the Democrats more seats.

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