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.
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