University at Buffalo, The State University of New YorkUniversity at Buffalo, The State University of New York

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UB proudly sponsors a year of events

The 14th Dalai Lama at the University at Buffalo

Promoting peace across borders through education

Day of Learning

Science and Spirituality panel: Perspectives on Being Human

Professor Charles Mitchell,
Department of Geology

Tuesday, September 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.*
201 Natural Sciences Complex

Download the Science and Spirituality panel presentations:

What is the nature of human origins? What is consciousness and how has it evolved from non-human conditions? What is our material, emotional, and spiritual relationship to self, other, and the broader world? Continuing discussions about issues as diverse as evolution and creationism on the one hand, or the value of prayer in personal well-being on the other, hinge upon our philosophical beliefs about science and spirituality as much as they do upon the knowledge developed along these paths to insight.

His Holiness the Dali Lama has written or contributed to several books, most recently The Universe in a Single Atom, that seek to open a dialog between different ways of knowing. His visit calls us to seek a greater understanding of the seemingly disparate ways of knowing that humans employ and through this knowledge to both reduce conflict and enrich our chosen paths.

Topics and Speakers:

Can Natural Selection Explain Altruistic Behavior? Carol Berman, professor, anthropology, University at Buffalo

Evolutionary Metaphysics? Charles Mitchell, professor, geology, University at Buffalo

Misunderstandings and Misrepresentations of Science and Religion. Allen H. Podet, philosophy and humanities, Buffalo State

Culture, Belief and Reality. Donald Pollock, professor and chair, anthropology, University at Buffalo

Science and Spirituality panel convened by Professor Charles Mitchell, geology, University at Buffalo

*Times and locations may be subject to change

Cost: Free