OHC lectures
2025–26 Attention
The Oregon Humanities Center (OHC) presents its 2025-26 endowed lectureship series centered on the theme of “Attention.”
The “Attention” series looks to explore the dynamics of how, why, and what we focus on shapes our reality and creates our purpose. Also known as concentration, alertness, focus, notice, awareness, heed, regard, and consideration—Attention is the fundamental cognitive ability to sustain one’s energy on a specific pursuit or thought.
Our speakers in this series will apply their diverse disciplines, perspectives, and backgrounds to highlight how attention connects us to others and allows us to experience the world around us. Exploring questions such as: What is attention? Who controls our attention? How do we allocate this precious resource? What is the antidote to having a fragmented mind? How do we build solidarity for collective action to restore our attention? And, how do we use our attention to be our best selves and transform the world around us?