The Philosophy Symposium at ULM will present "’The Whoopin': Authoritarian and Anti-authoritarian Parenting Styles" Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. in the Hemphill Airway and Computer Science Building, Room 134.

The Philosophy Symposium is a university student group that organizes discussions and debates, often regarding controversial subject matters.

The upcoming presentation, "’The Whoopin': Authoritarian and Anti-authoritarian Parenting Styles," examines the longstanding disciplinary measure known as “the whoopin.” It will address the following questions:

• Is it effective?
• Does it do more than is intended?
• Does it stifle creativity?
• Are there alternatives?
• Can one establish authority as a parent without the whoopin?
• Can a parent discipline a child in ways that are equally so or even more effective?
• What are psychologists saying about corporeal punishment as a rearing technique?
• What are philosophers saying about corporeal punishment?
• Does religion really advocate corporeal punishment?
• Ought it?

The presenters are ULM’s Dr. William McCown, psychology; Dr. Holly L. Wilson, philosophy; Chris Pierot, a senior psychology major from Monroe; and Alycia Hodges, a sophomore English major from Tallulah.

The discussion is open to the public. For more information, contact Wilson at: (318) 342-1547 or at hwilson@ulm.edu.