Science & Philosophy
These courses are offered by the Quest Lifelong Learning Community. For more information on Quest, click here and also see more details at the bottom of this page.
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Coordinators: Michael Hamburg, Steve Allen
This voyage is perfect for anyone who has wondered what the universe actually is, where it comes from, and where it is headed. We will begin among the stars and continue on towards the farthest reaches of the observable universe. Prior knowledge or technical expertise in math or science is not required. Just bring your questions and a sense of wonder.
BETWEEN FAITH & REASON II: READING CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURE
Coordinators: Paul Golomb, Bob Martin
The class continues last fall’s exploration of the Bible by moving on to the Christian Scripture (New Testament).
EXPLORATIONS IN PHILOSOPHY
Coordinators: Steve Allen, Larry Shapiro
Our focus will be on how philosophy approaches particular issues, as opposed to an in-depth analysis of specific philosophers. A short reading will be assigned as preparation for each week’s discussion, but each class will start with a brief summary of the reading to allow some participation by “drop-ins.”
INVENTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Coordinators: Pete Weis, Jim Brook
This course will explore major advances in applied science or technology that have fundamentally altered how we all go about our daily lives. Topics will take us from the invention of the plow to the coming of the internet or anything in between. We will also consider processes such as the assembly line or automation that have had a profound effect on everyday life. Each presentation will explore what the world was like before the innovation, the story of its invention and how it forever changed our lives for the better—or perhaps the worse.
POLITICAL THOUGHT AND STATESMANSHIP OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Coordinators: Sanford Kessler, Bob Gottfried
Why do most historians consider Abraham Lincoln our greatest president? In this class we will address this question by examining some of Lincoln’s greatest speeches and deeds in relation to the beginning of his political career, the events leading up to the Civil War, and his presidency. Other thinkers we will consider in relation to Lincoln include Thomas Jefferson, Henry David Thoreau, Stephen Douglas, and Frederick Douglass. We will also use Lincoln as a model to shed light on our current political scene.