The Franciscan Center for Catholic Studies (FCCS) is an academic initiative of Siena College that provides members of the College and residents of the Capital region a forum for exploring Catholicism in its historical, sociological, liturgical, and doctrinal complexity.
In keeping with the Franciscan orientation of the College, the FCCS highlights certain dimensions of Catholicism's past and present embodiments. These include a commitment to social justice, reconciliation and peace making, appreciating the natural world, savoring beauty in the creative arts, engaging those from different cultures and from different religious or philosophical traditions, and defining leadership as service to one's community. To support this mission, the FCCS sponsors or co-sponsors speakers; conferences; colloquia; and theatrical, musical, and fine arts events.
Dr. Renée Jorgensen is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her research concerns the moral issues involved in managing risk and uncertainty. She has ongoing projects concerning predictive policing, statistical profiling, and what we should consider a ‘reasonable’ mistake concerning the necessity of self-defense.