Wed., Apr. 21, 7:00 pm Video Lecture & Discussion, "Autism, Obsession and Compulsion" and "Consciousness and the End of Mental Life,"  Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Newark [Delaware] (UUFN), 420 Willa Road, Newark DE 19711. Two 30-minute lectures will be presented by Prof. Daniel Robinson, Oxford University and Georgetown University, and be followed by a discussion. DAH event presented in cooperation with the UUFN.

Autism, Obsession and Compulsion: Knowing what happens when the functions of consciousness are defective may help us learn more about the nature of consciousness. In order to adapt to any particular environment, a normal sensory system resorts to active or passive filtration. This does not happen in cases of autism and other neurotic disorders. Moreover, those with such disorders cannot come to know what it is to be like someone else through conscious awareness and the integrative achievements of the mind.

Consciousness and the End of Mental Life: In this lecture, we consider the case of comatose patients in relation to the nature of consciousness, self-consciousness, and 'epistemic' justification. Such issues raise the vexing question of criteria used to analyze mental states and the equally critical questions of ethics, rights and duties in relation to those incapable of protecting their own rights. We end this course with the consideration that it is conscious life that defines our humanity.

Sat., April 24, 2010 1:30 pm, Movie "The Genius of Charles Darwin," Woodlawn Library, 2020 W. 9th Street, Wilmington, DE 19805, 302-571-7425, refreshments.

In celebrating Earth Day, the Delaware Association for Humanism will present the award winning documentary, "The Genius of Charles Darwin". Hosted by world renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, the film traces the evolution of Darwin's thinking to the realization of the pivotal role the process of natural selection plays in our understanding of the natural world.

Published 150 years ago, Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' changed everything - science, religion and even humanity's image of itself. Join Professor Dawkins as he explains exactly how Darwin developed his revolutionary theory of evolution and why it continues to be relevant today.

How do species evolve? What does 'natural selection' mean in biology, politics, sociology and philosophy? With passionate certainty, Dawkins provides answers, positing evolution as a matter of fact, not faith. In addition to interviewing scientific experts such as geneticist Craig Venter and paleoanthropologist Richard Leakey, Dawkins speaks with Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, and other religious leaders about the existence of a Creator. Provocative, informative and irresistibly watchable, this documentary offers new insights on an idea that still meets stubborn resistance.

Learn more here: http://atheists.meetup.com/662/calendar/13126374/

Sat., June 19th picnic in celebration of World Humanist Day in Banning Park outside of Newport, Delaware.

Aug. 18-22nd The Humanist Institute five-day seminar will be held in New York City.

The Humanist Institute is a unique experience.  The program not only allows one to expand their knowledge of humanism, but also to gain lifelong connections to like-minded individuals.  If you are, or know of someone who would be interested in applying or receiving more information on this program, please feel free to contact Kristin Wintermute @ 763.545.8941.

See also the flyer summarizing the program of The Humanist Institute.  

SEE YOU THERE!

More events are coming soon! 

Look for events at our site on meetup.com.