Dr. Colleen Burke, Westminster College assistant professor of communication studies, presented a research paper at the International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities June 29-July 2 at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Burke's paper, "Authenticity and Tolerance: Virtues Reframed for Defining Common Ground in Public Communication," undertook a phenomenological investigation of authenticity and tolerance. Authenticity was examined with respect to narrative structure and considered as a quest for genuine truthfulness to oneself about one's own beliefs. Tolerance was investigated in terms of tolerance toward the other, as the common understanding of tolerance is tied to others' beliefs.

"In this project, I support a shift from tolerance of others' beliefs-which sometimes compromises authenticity and leads to moral relativism-to tolerance of the other as a human being," Burke said. "When combined in this way, we are permitted to open, rather than close, opportunities for dialogue with others."

The paper is under review for the International Humanities Journal.

The conference included nearly 350 participants representing 41 countries.

Burke, who has been with Westminster since 2002, earned undergraduate and master's degrees and Ph.D. from Duquesne University.

Contact Burke at (724) 946-7199 or e-mail burkecm@westminster.edu for additional information.

Dr. Colleen Burke