Naturalism Panel
Varieties of Naturalism: The Nature of Faith and Naturalist Responses to Atheism
Thursday April 10, 6:30PM-9:00PM
Lilly Auditorium, University Library
775 W. Michigan St.
IUPUI
Indianapolis, IN 46202
This event considers various responses to atheism from a naturalist perspective. The aim is to promote a more refined understanding of naturalism, especially in the American philosophical tradition, and show that a supernatural position is not the only alternative to the atheism made prominent by the recent publications of Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens.
BOOK DISCUSSION: "SCIENCE AND ETHICS: CAN SCIENCE HELP US MAKE WISE MORAL JUDGEMENTS?"
This discussion group is studying Paul Kurtz’s new book, "Science and Ethics: Can Science Help Us Make Wise Moral Judgments?" We will be spending one session on each chapter or topic. Copies of the book are on sale at Center for Inquiry Indiana for $20.00 per copy ($15. 00 for Friends of the Center).
In April, John Shook, author of Chapter 12, “Euthanasia, Unnecessary Suffering, and the Proper Aims of Medicine” will be speaking at Center for Inquiry Indiana - Friday, April 11 at 7:30 pm.
In May, Art Sterne will begin a discussion of Chapters 18, 19, 20, and 21, which deal with Psychiatry and Psychotherapy.
Here is a description of the book from the book cover:
"Many people today believe that moral principles are derived from religion. Their critics point out that the general religions often vehemently disagree about what is good, bad, right, and wrong. One the other side of a great divide stand many who say that there are no ethical standards at all and that morality is merely a question of personal taste or cultural differences.
This volume presents a unique collection of authors who generally maintain that science can help us make wise choices and that an increase in scientific knowledge can help modify our ethical values and bring new ethical principles into social awareness. There are thirty contributors to this volume.
Among the wide-ranging topics discussed are biogenetic engineering, stem cell research, organ transplants, human enhancement, abortion, euthanasia, psychiatry, and psychotherapy.
Editor Paul Kurtz maintains that there is a modified form of naturalistic ethics that is directly relevant to both science and ethics and provides guidelines for our moral choices."
You are not obligated to commit to attend every session or to read the book before the discussion. Anyone is welcome to attend any of the sessions.
