Pathways to Flourishing:
A Dialogue of Science, Religion, and
Politics at Middlebury College
From September 2007 to April 2008 we will be reading essays on the topic of advances in biotechnology.
Instead of focusing our conversations on one book, we are inviting participants in the group to suggest essays (articles or book chapters) that address the intersection of religion and science in either the general arena of biotechnology or within the parameters of a particular scientific enterprise (e.g., genetic engineering, cloning, patents, stem cell research). A suggested essay may highlight concerns that a particular religious tradition has with aspects of biotechnology, it may argue for the inherent compatibility between religion and biotechnological advancement, or it may argue for the irrelevance of religious concerns and questions to the pursuit of biotechnological innovation. In other words, if an essay deals with the intersection of religion and biotechnology in any way, then it's fair game, regardless of its perspective. In fact, we'd like to get a nice balance between authors writing primarily from a scientific perspective and those with more theological and ethical expertise.
We will have a complete list of readings ready by late September; please contact us for titles.
Reading group dates are as follows:
Oct. 8 -- Hepburn Lounge
Nov. 5 -- Mitchell Green Lounge, McCullough Student Center
Dec. 3 -- Mitchell Green Lounge, McCullough Student Center
Jan. 28 -- Mitchell Green Lounge, McCullough Student Center
March/April -- two dates to be determined, to follow Gilbert Meilaender and Suzanne Holland's lectures on April 2 and April 21.
All reading groups will meet from 12:00 noon until 1:15 p.m. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Ellen McKay, Scott Center Program Coordinator, at 443-5626.
About Reading Groups
Our science and religion Reading Group is open to students, faculty, staff and community members. Books and articles are provided courtesy of a grant from Metanexus Institute. If you would like to join a reading group, please call Gus Jordan, 443-2017, or email him at jordan@middlebury.edu . Visitors are welcome to attend any session listed above.