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Bitar Lecture Schedule

Series Title: Human Nature at the Intersection of Science, Religion, and Philosophy

Wednesday, March 20, 2013
	6:30 p.m.	Book Table John White Chapel, Old Main
	7:30 p.m.	Lecture 1:“Do Christians Need Souls?: Biblical and Theological Issues”  John White Chapel, Old Main
	8:20 p.m.	Respondent: Alex Plato
	8:40 p.m.	Q & A
	9 p.m.	Book Signing Reception Foyer, Old Main
Thursday, March 21, 2013
	6 p.m.	Dinner Buffet (by invitation) President's Dining Room, Alexander Hall
	7 p.m.	Announcement and Presentation of the Byron I. Bitar Memorial Annual Cash Prize for Best Student Philosophy Paper
	7:30 p.m.	Lecture 2:“Do Humans Have Minds?: Scientific Issues” John White Chapel, Old Main
	8:20 p.m.	Respondent: Alex Plato
	8:40 p.m.	Q & A
	9 p.m.	Philosophy Alumni Coffee Riverview Café, Student Center

Other Activities for Geneva Faculty and Students

Wednesday, 4:15 p.m. – Philosophy Majors Dinner

Thursday, 9:30 a.m. – Master Class, OMB 24

Thursday, noon – Faculty Lunch, PDR

ABSTRACTS

Series Title:  “Human Nature at the Intersection of Science, Religion, and Philosophy”

What are humans? Are we composed of a body and a nonmaterial mind or soul, or are we purely physical beings? Unbeknownst to many, our culture is sharply divided on this issue. Many religious believers assume a dualist view, while the biological sciences, particularly neuroscience, presume that it is the brain that does the work of the mind or soul. While this makes it appear that a conflict is brewing between science and religion, these lectures will show that science and theology are in fact in close agreement.

Lecture one: “Do Christian Need Souls?: Biblical and Theological Issues”

While Christians have been body soul-dualists for centuries, over 100 years ago scholars began to question whether dualism is in fact the teaching of the Scriptures. In this lecture I describe the increasing consensus that the physicalist view of human nature common in science and philosophy is actually closer to authentic Christian teaching than dualism.

Lecture two: “Do Humans Have Minds?: Scientific Issues”

Although theologians and scientists may agree on the physical nature of humans, there is a philosophical issue that may yet cause division. Can all human capabilities simply be reduced to brain functions? In this lecture I consider scientific developments that underscore our higher human capacities such as sociality and morality.