Presentation by Elizabeth Hennessy about the giant tortoises of the Galápagos, a place seen as a last foothold of pristine nature. Conservationists have worked to restore this evolutionary Eden. Hennessy’s book tells the story of the island. The story of the tortoises shows how deeply human and nonhuman life are entangled. Elizabeth Hennessy is associate professor of history of science and environmental studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Presentation by Anjan Chakravartty. Humanists commonly promote science and reason for understanding the world and for advancing the common good. However, there are values that are deeply connected to practices and outcomes of scientific work. Science is not typically “value free”. This talk explores the role that values can play in the pursuit of science for our collective welfare. Anjan Chakravartty is the Appignani Foundation Chair for the Study of Atheism, Humanism, and Secular Ethics at the University of Miami. He has authored numerous books and articles in the philosophy of science, metaphysics, and epistemology, and has taught previously at the Universities of Cambridge, Toronto, and Notre Dame.
Laurent Beauregard presents a discussion of key features of logic and language and then goes on to consider intelligence. After looking at how syntax works, artificial intelligence comes into focus. This leads to the Turing Test, the Chinese Room Argument, and the question: “can a machine think?” Laurent holds a Ph.D. in the history and philosophy of science. He has taught at U.C.L.A. and at Reed College. He is currently on the HGP Web committee and he edits the videos that you find on our website.
Dorian Wallace presents a non-theistic approach to mindfulness that seeks awareness of the inner nature of life including impermanence, suffering, and non-self. Spiritual transcendence can come from a number of ethical principles and practices. Mindfulness is not reserved for the rich. Wallace is an American composer, pianist, and teacher based in New York City. His compositions incorporate philosophic, social, and political themes. He has co-founded a music collective and concert series. He teaches composition, improvisation, and mindfulness meditation, and has lead workshops around the world. Copyleft (Ɔ) 2020 Dorian Wallace/Mederi Music and Mindfulness Meditation. Some Rights Reserved.