(March 10, 2010)

Contact: Rick DelaHaya, Centenary News Services, 318.869.5073

Social Dilemmas, Sustainability and Justice Subject of Convocation March 18

Dr. David A. Schroeder
Dr. David A. Schroeder

Social Dilemmas, Perspectives on Ondivisuals and Groups

SHREVEPORT, La. (Centenary News Service)—Dr. David A. Schroeder, professor of psychology at the University of Arkansas, will be the guest speaker at Centenary College, Thursday, March 18 beginning at 11:10 a.m. in Kilpatrick Auditorium.

The focus of his presentation will be centered on social dilemmas, sustainability and justice. The presentation is free and open to the public.

According to Schroeder, issues such as global warming and greenhouse gases, health-care reform, preserving fishing banks in the Atlantic and salmon runs in the Northwest, to saving endangered species and finding alternative energy sources are not only some of the problems and challenges of the 21st Century, but also problems and challenges of the 20th Century that were not taken care of them.

To solve these problems, he states, we must first understand them. While there are certainly technological issues involved, from his perspective as a social psychologist, these problems share a common feature: they are all consequences of human behavior. Perhaps by better understanding the psychological underpinnings of these and other similar problems — problems that are called social dilemmas — we can find effective and efficient solutions.

While he states that he is not be able to provide those solutions, he can describe the characteristics of social dilemmas and provide an overview of some psychological processes that influence the decisions of how to behave in those dilemmas. Finally he will discuss some ongoing justice research that may suggest ways to curb overconsumption and promote the sustainability of scarce resource.

For more information about this event, call 318.869.5073.


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 celebrated 100 years in the Shreveport and Bossier City communities.