‘Lies Are a False Magic’

Sit in with UATX’s student-led debate society.

Our students are away on their six-week-long winter break, merch can still be ordered in time for Christmas, and a professor smashed a UATX parent’s phone—more on that below. First, learn to fight lies with the Austin Union, our student-led debate society.

“The answer to know if someone is lying to you or not is debate,” says Morgan Marietta, Dean of the Center for Economics, Politics, and History. “If you know that your statements will be challenged, your errors will be pointed out, your data questioned, your conclusions disputed—then you have the incentive to tell the truth in the first place.”

During his opening speech at the second meeting of the Austin Union, Marietta addressed the critical need for truth and honest debate in academia.

Highlighting the prevalence of lies, misrepresentation, and ideological biases within many institutions, Marietta passionately argued that debate is the only effective way to distinguish truth from falsehood. He delved into the problems of expertise and ideology, and cautioned against the tendency to trust attractive or charismatic figures who might leverage their appearance to obscure the truth.

Marietta outlined UATX’s unique approach: beyond mere competition, the goals of debate are civil discourse, understanding, and the shared pursuit of truth. At the Austin Union, students are empowered to set debate topics, invite speakers, and establish rules to encourage honest exchange.

This thought-provoking speech serves as a rallying cry for a new era of academic integrity. It is a must-watch for anyone concerned about the state of higher education and the future of knowledge.

Do you know any high school seniors who would benefit from a college environment of the kind described by Dean Marietta, where truth is pursued over ideological agendas or personal gain? We’re seeking daring thinkers and builders for our second undergraduate class, beginning fall 2025. As was the case for our inaugural class, every dollar of tuition for the Class of 2029 is paid for by UATX Founders and supporters. Apply today.

The Value of Nothing Experiment with Professor Tim Kane

Are today’s middle-class Americans actually richer than royalty? Here’s an economic experiment that will forever change the way you think about what things are worth.

Filmed with UATX parents on campus in Austin, this lecture from Families and Founders Weekend turned into a surprising live experiment that proves the “value of nothing” for the things they carried into the classroom is much higher than anyone realized.

How much would Professor Kane have to pay you, right now, to part with your phone?

Get UATX Merch, Support Student Life

There are a only couple of days left to order UATX merch in time for Christmas. Picture this: you’re sitting by the fire in your UATX hoodie which you’re wearing over Professor Priou’s Be Strong and Philosophize t-shirt, and you’re holding a mug full of delicious hot chocolate. Build your own cozy scene with items of your choosing. All proceeds go to student activities.

The communications team is filling in this week for Maggie Kelly.