Intersection of science and spiritualism is lecture focus Nov. 7
MIT professor Alan Lightman will join the Lewes Public Library’s Science and Society lecture series for an online discussion titled “Searching: The Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science” at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7, via Zoom.
Lightman is a writer, physicist and social entrepreneur whose book, “The Transcendent Brain: Spirituality in the Age of Science,” reflects on awe-inspiring experiences not easily understood by science. Lightman draws on intellectual history and conversations with contemporary scientists, philosophers and psychologists to examine humans’ place between the spiritual and scientific worlds. As he weaves his investigations together, he proposes what he calls “spiritual materialism” – the belief that people can embrace spiritual experiences without letting go of their scientific worldview.
To register, go to tinyurl.com/LPLScienceFall23. Participants are encouraged to support the author by purchasing a copy of the book from local independent bookstore Browseabout Books.
Lightman holds a doctorate in theoretical physics from the California Institute of Technology and is the professor of the practice of the humanities at MIT. A fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, his scientific work has focused on black holes, relativity theory, radiative processes and the dynamics of systems of stars.
The Lewes Public Library’s Science and Society - Making Sense of the World Around Us lecture series is co-organized and moderated by Colin Norman, former news editor at Science; Fred Dylla, executive director emeritus of the American Institute of Physics and author of “Scientific Journeys”; and Lynda Dylla, former public information officer at the Jefferson Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy.
