MEETING OF MIND VOLUME VII Conceived and developed by Steve Allen, the award-winning PBS-TV series MEETING OF MINDS brought together the most provocative figure of history for conversation and conflict. As Steve Allen introduces the seventh installment, an offstage scuffle the decorum of the occasion: the radical 20th century philosopher Sir Bertrand Russell objects to the established format, which would provide a showcase for the brilliant 4th-century bishop, ST AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO. Mediating the dispute between these two impressive intellectuals is THOMAS JEFFERSON, who for his part has little interest in the religious quarrels launched by the other two men. Adding spice to the spice to the spirited encounter, The Empress Theodora of the Byzantine Empire recounts her rise from a position "Lower than slavery" to become wife of the Emperor Justinian. Once again, the electric gathering of guests in each other's conversation grounds for both outrage and unexpected agreement - a stimulating exchange of ideas in an atmosphere remarkable for both rigorous challenge and generous acceptance.