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Further Reading

A Student Perspective on the Symposium

Rahul assisted in the planning and preparation for the conference. He then attended most of the sessions. The narrative available here gives his perspective on the debates and discussions, both formal and informal, between and among faculty, students and staff. Rahul captures some of the energy and enthusiasm of those very packed three days.

Ethics After Darwin

David Sloan Wilson, Author and Founder of The Evolution Institute

David Sloan Wilson, Author and Founder of The Evolution Institute

Symposium was held in conjunction with The Evolution Institute

Symposium was held in conjunction with The Evolution Institute

Students listening to David Sloan Wilson's presentation

Students listening to David Sloan Wilson's presentation

Ethics After Darwin: Ethics and Public Policy in the Light of Evolutionary Theory
DePauw University
April 26 - 28, 2011

OVERVIEW

This conference brought together scholars from three areas of study: evolutionary science, ethics and public policy. These visiting scholars, along with DePauw faculty and students, addressed such questions as what are the ethical precepts implicit in Darwin’s theory and how can these ethical principles be applied to public policy decisions. During the three-day conference, these ideas were applied specifically to the history of evolutionary theory and its relevance to public policy as it relates to gender issues and conservation. Through workshops, conversations, lectures, and informal interchanges among all the participants, we hoped to reach a deeper understanding of the intersection of evolutionary theory, ethics and public policy.

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 26

9-11 a.m.


11:30 a.m.

Afternoon

4:15 p.m.

 


7:30 p.m.

Workshop session 1


Lunch with students

Class visits

The History of Darwin's Idea, How it Started and Where it is Now (Melvin Konner and Janet Radcliffe Richards). Click here for video of full session.

Evolution and Gender: Ethics and Public Policy (Julie Seaman and Patty Gowaty). Click here for Julie Seaman's lecture.
Wednesday, April 27

9-11 a.m.

Noon

Afternoon

4 p.m. 


7:30 p.m.

Workshop session 2

Lunch with faculty and conversation on "A New Evolutionary Ethic?"
Class visits

Conservation and Evolution: Ethics and Public Policy (Stephen Hubbell and Sahotra Sarkar). Click here for Sahotra Sarkar's lecture.

Evolution, Ethics and Equality (David Sloan Wilson). Click here for lecture video.
Thursday, April 28

9-11:30 a.m.

Noon

Workshop session 3 and wrap up

Lunch 

FUNDING

This conference was made possible by the generous support of the the Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics, the Blair A. and Teresa O. Rieth Lecture Fund, The Gertrude and G.D. Crain Jr. Lecture Fund, The John Templeton Foundation and the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics.