Duncan Pritchard, a distinguished professor of philosophy and chair of the Year of Scholarly Values committee, has released a statement in honor of Constitution Day. He reflects on the day’s significance, marking the 1789 moment when delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the foundational document they had meticulously crafted over four months.
Pritchard acknowledges a touch of irony in his role as a naturalized U.S. citizen born in England, noting that many framers had roots in the British Isles. He emphasizes the philosophical underpinnings of the Constitution, highlighting the Preamble’s opening words, “We the people,” which express a revolutionary idea of nationhood as a collective endeavor. However, he also points out that this vision was initially limited, failing to include all individuals residing in the country. The journey toward realizing the Constitution’s promise of equality and dignity for all has been long and challenging.
He urges readers to consider how the framers believed civic virtue was crucial for the success of the young republic. Citizens, according to Pritchard, should not only enjoy their rights but also fulfill their civic duties and contribute to the common good. Active engagement in the democratic process is essential for the well-being of the community.
Pritchard highlights that civic values are necessary for collaboration, even amid differing political, ethical, or religious beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing shared interests and responsibilities, engaging in constructive dialogue, and treating opponents with dignity and empathy.
These civic values, he notes, were fundamental to the civil rights movement, which aimed to fulfill the Constitution’s promise of equal respect for all.
Looking ahead, UC Irvine has designated the 2024-25 academic year as the Year of Scholarly Values. Throughout this period, various activities will be organized to explore the academic values that underpin the university’s mission. Pritchard asserts that just as shared civic values are vital for democracy, so too are intellectual virtues essential for a thriving scholarly community. The pursuit of truth, knowledge, and understanding must be accompanied by qualities like humility, tenacity, integrity, and curiosity—traits he identifies as the Anteater Virtues.
He concludes by inviting the UC Irvine community to reflect on the Constitution and the civic virtues necessary for democracy while also considering the parallels to their scholarly community and the values that foster its success.