Presentation by Scott F. Burns about the relationship between geology, soils, and climate to wine. Geology and soils make up an important component of the terroir of wine – French for “the taste of the place.” Scott is Professor Emeritus of Geology at Portland State University. He taught for 46 years. He has won many awards for outstanding teaching. He has authored over 100 publications. He actively helps local mass media bring geological news to the public. Burns has a Ph.D. from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He won the “Outstanding Scientist for Oregon for 2014” award from the Oregon Academy of Sciences.
Presentation by Steve Jacobs summarizing the HGP Science Discussions of 2015, highlighting the most interesting scientific research and the development of new technology. Key trends will be discussed, along with possible future implications. Steve holds bachelor’s degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Engineering Physics from Oregon State University. He is retired from Intel Corporation. His life-long interest in science led him to his career and to the Secular Humanist lifestance. Besides hosting our monthly Science Discussion, he conducts an Applying Humanism discussion group. He is a past-president of HGP.
Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, which once enjoyed broad bipartisan support, have become lightning rods of controversy over the past two years. In this talk, Jim Oleske discusses how efforts to extend RFRA rights into the commercial marketplace have prompted considerable backlash. Oleske is an Associate Professor at Lewis & Clark Law School. Prior to joining Lewis & Clark in 2011, Professor Oleske worked in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. He was the 2014 recipient of an excellence in teaching award. His research focuses on the intersection of religious liberty and other constitutional values.
In Part Three of a three-part presentation, Laurent Beauregard discusses a standard view of scientific method. He then shows how this view can be expanded using Bayes Theorem. This method sheds light on how to evaluate extraordinary claims, including claims that miracles happen. This may hold up the canonization of Mother Teresa. Laurent holds an M.S. in physics and a Ph.D. in the history and philosophy of science.