William B. Irvine, a professor of philosophy at Wright State University in Dayton, will discuss the results of becoming an “insult pacifist” during a Bluffton University Forum at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, in Founders Hall. His presentation is free and open to the public.

Irvine has experimented with insult pacifism—responding to insults with silence or self-deprecating humor—as part of a research project. In addition to reporting the outcome, he will offer an assessment of the role that insults play in American society.

Irvine is the author of several books, including the recently published “A Slap in the Face: Why Insults Hurt—and Why They Shouldn’t.” He holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in philosophy from UCLA, and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and philosophy from the University of Michigan.