Philosophy Department Launches New Dialogue Series

Vancouver, BC – Langara College’s Department of Philosophy is thrilled to announce the return of the popular Philosophers’ Jam series for the fall 2012 season.

After a successful inaugural year in 2011-12, the fall 2012 season will open with a discussion of transhumanism - a philosophical movement that proposes technology can and should be used to transform human beings so that we can overcome our physical limitations. The topic is presented by award winning journalist Peter McKnight from The Vancouver Sun.

“We're very excited to have this dynamic speaker participate in the Philosophers’ Jam series," said Alex Boston, an instructor from Langara's Philosophy Department who is running the event this season. "We've had some incredible discussions result from the previous events, and I'm sure this one won't disappoint."

The inaugural Philosophers’ Jam of the fall 2012 season takes place on Thursday, September 20, 7:00 pm at Langara College’s Main Campus (100 West 49^th Avenue). The sessions include a short presentation by the guest speaker followed by an open dialogue period. All events are free and open to the public.  

The fall 2012 schedule will consist of four events, featuring the following topics and speakers:  

• September 20: Transhumanism.
  Speaker: Peter McKnight

• October 18: Does Modern Education Miss the Point?
  Speaker: Dale Beyerstein

• November 15: Seduced Into Gangs: Is There a Connection Between Alienation and Gang Violence?
  Speaker: Indira Prahst

• November 29: Do People Really Have Minds? And if They Do, What Good Are They Anyway?
  Speaker: Wayne Henry

All Philosophers’ Jams are held on Thursdays and begin at 7:00 pm. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, including full topic descriptions and speaker bios, visit the Philosopher's Jam website.