Saturday, June 13, 2009, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM,
Public debate, pitting atheist against believer, typically yields a polarized picture. Might a more nuanced conversation that transcends simplistic assertions, and weaves insights from physics, biology, and psychology provide a more fruitful exchange of ideas? Bill Blakemore hosts scientists Lawrence Krauss, Ken Miller and Guy Consolmagno, and philosopher Colin McGinn to find out.
Moderator
Bill Blakemore
Participants
Journalist Bill Blakemore has been with ABC News since 1970. He was ABC's Vatican correspondent throughout the papacy of John Paul II, and was ABC's Rome Bureau Chief for six years. Blakemore has covered major events worldwide including 12 wars and conflict zones. He currently spearheads ABC News‚ coverage of global warming and climate change. read more
Brother Guy Consolmagno, SJ, earned undergraduate and masters' degrees from MIT, and a Ph. D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona. He was a researcher at Harvard and MIT, served in the US Peace Corps (Kenya), and taught university physics at Lafayette College, Pennsylvania, before entering the Jesuits in 1989. read more
Lawrence Krauss is Foundation Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration and Director of the Origins Initiative at Arizona State University. He is an internationally known theoretical physicist, winner of numerous international awards for his research accomplishments, and is also an acclaimed science writer. read more
Colin McGinn is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Miami. His research interests include the philosophy of mind (particularly consciousness, intentionality and imagination), as well as metaphysics, ethics and philosophical logic. He has published numerous articles, and is the author of 20 books. read more
Kenneth R. Miller is Professor of Biology and Royce Family Professor for Teaching Excellence at Brown University. A cell biologist, he serves as an advisor on life sciences to the NewsHour, a daily PBS television program on news and public affairs, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). read more
