Making of the Modern World:
To Be Human
What does it mean to be human? Are there essential human qualities and characteristics? How do we know what they are? And how did we acquire them? These are ancient and constantly recurring questions. Answers vary not just from one individual to another, but from one field of inquiry to another, from one religious tradition to another, from one culture to another, and from one historical era to another.
In Winter 2012 these questions will be explored in a nine-part public lecture series featuring some of UC San Diego’s finest speakers. Programs will be held in the Great Hall of International House and begin at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays unless otherwise noted.
(*Note one exception: the sixth lecture will be given on Thursday, February 23, at the Faculty Club.*)
January 18 |
Margaret Schoeninger, Professor of Anthropology“How Food Fueled Human Origins”At 6:30 p.m. there will be a reception with light hors d’oeuvres on the Great Hall patio. |
January 25 |
William H.C. Propp, Professor of History“In His Image and Likeness: Being Human in Ancient Israel” |
February 1 |
Matthew T. Herbst, Director of The Making of the Modern World“Desire, Temptation, and Spiritual Struggle: Historical Christian Perspectives on Being Human” |
February 8 |
Suzanne Cahill, Adjunct Professor of History“Suffering, Enlightenment, and Immortality: Chinese Buddhists and Daoists on the Human Condition” |
February 15 |
Hasan Kayali, Professor of History“The Divine and the Human in Islamic Tradition: A Historical Perspective” |
February 23 |
Steve Kay, Dean of the Division of Biological Sciences“Humanity’s Greatest Challenge — Food, Fuel, and the Future”*Note this lecture is held on a Thursday* |
February 29 |
Seth Lerer, Dean of the Division of Arts and Humanities“The Verve: How We Became Modern” |
March 7 |
Terrence Sejnowski, Francis Crick Professor of Biology, Salk Institute“What Makes the Human Brain Human” |
March 14 |
Pamela Radcliff, Professor of History“Political Perspectives on Being Human in the 20th Century: Fascism, Communism, and Democracy”*At 6:30 there will be a reception with light hors d’oeuvres on the Great Hall patio. |
