Philosophy

Join us for a screening of the much-buzzed about film, “The Oil Machine,” followed by a Q&A with Director, Emma Davie. Facilitated by James Sanchez.

Oil has been an invisible machine at the core of our economy and society. It now faces an uncertain future as activists and investors demand change. Is this the end of oil?

Following Peter Dixon’s presentation on “Everyday Peace Around the World”, join us for an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the contents of his talk with Dixon over dinner. Guests will have the ability to ask questions and exchange conversation about conflict transformation, peace, and justice. Peter Dixon ’02 is lead research scientist for Everyday Peace Indicators and researcher at Brandeis’ Program in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence, and has worked for the United Nations, the International Criminal Court. Dixon also has a PhD in Sociology from UC Berkeley.

Commencement reception for seniors and their families for the departments of Dance, Theatre, Classics & Classical Studies, Literary Studies, Philosophy, Religion, and Education Studies.

7:30 PM Ben Awtrey, “A philosophical framework for understanding and addressing the problem of physician burnout”
This analysis examines the current literature and makes the argument that there are similarities and links between empirical medical research and philosophical theories. These associations translate into interdisciplinary, evidence-based solutions which could bring effective change to the industry.

8:00 PM Sean Lovett, “Artificial Consciousness: Could Machines Have a Capacity for Phenomenal Consciousness?”

Julia Fairbank, “An Analysis on Personhood and Neuroethics Regarding Artificial Intelligence and Neural Enhancement Technologies”
Given the rapid rise of AI, consider a future where humans have the ability to augment and enhance their brains and bodies. Apply a philosophical lense to examine how personal identity and sense of self either support or refute the future of neural enhancement technology.

8:00 PM Greg Livingstone, “Surviving Progress—The Paradoxical Relationship Between Technological Advancement and Human Flourishing”

7:30 PM Maggie Connolly, “Aristotle’s Civic Friendship in Modern-day Polarized America”
The United States finds itself in one of the most heightened periods of political animosity in the country’s history. In addressing many of the same questions we continue to grapple with today, Aristotle proposed his theory of civic friendship as a key element to a functioning society. In this paper, I argue that Aristotle’s civic friendship can help us navigate polarization today by shedding light on timeless aspects of human nature that we must learn to work with rather than against.

Jac Blinoff, “Feminist critique of human rights: Can we find a solution?”
Offers an overview of feminist critiques of international human rights law and proposes, as a solution, to introduce legal guidelines for judges to promote a feminist interpretation and application of the law.

8:00 PM August Newell, “Lesbian Specificity and Gender Beyond the Binary”
Following an investigation into the nature of gender, I apply a framework of epistemic injustice to defend gender labels and their utility in enabling a diversity of liveable gendered existences.

Professor Esther Rosario
Lecturer, Philosophy Department, Dartmouth College

Philosophy lecture by Michael Lynch of the University of Connecticut.

“Many philosophers take understanding to be a distinctive kind of knowledge that involves grasping dependency relations; moreover, they hold it to be particularly valuable.”

Craving an intellectual discussion? Love Philosophy? Come join your peers for a wonderful chat! (We might have food too)