Centenary College's Forum Presents Free Will and Neuroscience March 9

Alfred Mele

SHREVEPORT, La.— The Forum, an annual event that examines a social issue in open-to-the public sessions, will address "Free Will and Neuroscience" during a two-part public series beginning Monday, March 9 at Centenary College.

Philosopher and author Alfred Mele, William H. and Lucyle Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy at Florida State University, will discuss the issue of free will and neuroscience beginning at 7 p.m. in the Whited Room in Bynum Commons on the College campus. He argues whether man is free to make moral choices or have neuroscientists shown that our actions are predetermined.

Alfred Mele has been making innovative suggestions and significant contributions to debates on action theory, autonomy, free will, rationality, and the state of acting against one's better judgment for some 20 years. In his newest book, Free Will and Luck he focuses particularly on exploring the role luck may play in free will, and what this might imply.

Free Will and Luck

The Forum will then present the second part of the Forum on Monday, March 16, also at 7 p.m. in the Whited Room in Bynum Commons. This will be a follow-up to Dr. Mele's presentation when a group of Centenary students and citizens will continue the discussion that Dr. Mele began the previous week. A question and answer period will follow.

Dr. Ken Aizawa, Charles T. Beaird Professor of Philosophy, Dr. Chris Ciocchetti, associate professor of philosophy, and Dr. Greg Butcher, assistant professor of Neuroscience coordinate the annual event, which presents discussions on various social issues and opposing points of view, and then features responses from students and members of the local community as well as audience questions.

Both events are free and open to the public. For further information, contact Dr. Ciocchetti at 318.869.5246 or visit the Forum web page at http://www.centenary.edu/forum.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrates 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.