|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
2009-10 Penn Science Café Schedule |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September 16, 2009
By: Office of University Communications |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6 p.m. @ the White Dog Café, menu items available for purchase
RSVP to Jordan Reese, jreese@upenn.edu or 215-573-6604. RSVP's are required.
Oct. 14
Anthony Cashmore, Department of Biology
Free Will and the Criminal Justice System
It is widely believed that living systems, including mankind, obey the natural physical laws. However, it is also commonly accepted that man has the capacity to make "free" conscious decisions that do not simply reflect the chemical makeup of the individual. While philosophers have discussed for centuries the apparent lack of a causal component for free will, many biologists still seem to be remarkably at ease with this notion of free will—and indeed, our judicial system is based on such a belief. Join Anthony Cashmore, biologist and director of the Plant Science Institute, as he contends that a belief in free will is nothing other than a continuing belief in vitalism—something biologists proudly believe they discarded well over 100 years ago.
Nov. 18
Lyle Ungar, Computer Science
The Singularity—When Computers Will Think Like Humans
Dec. 16
Adrian Morrison, Veterinary Medicine
An Odyssey With Animals: Reflections on the Animal Rights and Welfare Debate
Jan. 20, 2010
Ruth Schwartz Cowan, History and Sociology of Science
DNA Banks and Genetic Tests, Should I make a deposit? Should I take one?
Feb. 16
Max Mintz, Department of Computer Science
Quantum Computing
March 17
Jonathan Moreno, History and Sociology of Science
Bioethics in Washington
April 14
Josh Plotkin, Department of Biology
A Viral Evolution
May 12
Robert Kurzban, Department of Psychology
The Cognitive Process Behind Hypocrisy
More than 90 percent of Americans believe it is important the U.S. maintains its global leadership in science technology. Only 13 percent can define the word: molecule. —-ABC News |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For Additional Information Contact:
Jordan Reese
at jreese@upenn.edu.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
