Are Humans Unique? A neuroscientific exploration of mind, soul and consciousness
Are Humans Unique? is the topic of the 2025 Annual Public Lecture by Heriot-Watt University Chaplaincy in Edinburgh and delivered by Dr Sharon Dirckx.
About Are Humans Unique? A neuroscientific exploration of mind, soul and consciousness
| 3rd February 2025 | |
| 7pm - 8.30pm. Light refreshments from 6.15pm. | |
|
Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Campus James Watt Centre, Edinburgh West EH14 4A |
|
| This is a free event | |
| Visit the event website here | |
| Follow HeriotWattUni on Twitter | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
| Follow heriotwattuni on Instagram | |
The free event will use neuroscience to explore the relationship between faith and science.
The lecture will be delivered by Dr Sharon Dirckx, an author, international speaker and former brain imaging scientist.
Dr Dirckx studied biochemistry before moving into research in the area of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging [FMRI], a type of scanning that enables scientists to look inside the brain – without cutting into it – at its structure and activity, in all kinds of situations.
“I became fascinated with this technique and studied for a PhD at the University of Cambridge, before conducting postdoctoral research into the brain networks involved in human cocaine abuse at the Medical College of Wisconsin in the United States,” Dr Dirckx explained.
She describes her lecture at Heriot-Watt University Chaplaincy as a ‘neuroscientific exploration of mind, soul and consciousness.’
“I’ll consider different philosophical and scientific approaches to the essence of humanity,” she said. “By taking a materialist approach to mind, soul and consciousness, I’ll show that matter is not all you need to explain everything about understanding humans. I’ll also show how clinical neuroscience and theological considerations create a complex picture.”
Each year, the Chaplaincy’s Annual Public Lecture explores the relationship between science and faith through a current issue or scientific development. Are they mutually exclusive, or might they combine to offer deeper insights into the world as we know it?
The Reverend Jane Howitt, Chaplain of Heriot-Watt University, said: “We are delighted that Dr Dirckx is presenting our annual public lecture and look forward to hearing her insights into science and theology.”
The Chaplaincy on Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Campus exists to promote spiritual and social wellbeing. It is open to everyone – both students and staff – from all backgrounds and cultures. People of all faiths and no religious faith are welcome.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served from 6.15pm.
This lecture will be interpreted into British Sign Language (BSL).
To attend this event in person, please register via Eventbrite by Thursday 30 January 2025:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/are-humans-unique-heriot-watt-chaplaincy-annual-public-lecture-tickets-1109134153109
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Costume Society Scotland Events
Come along to the Costume Society Scotland's season of varied talks on fashion, costume, textiles, accessories and related subjects between between October and April at Augustine United Church!
READ MORE
Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening
A lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place at The Open Door Community Centre, Edinburgh on various dates throughout the year.
READ MORE
Selector Series With Gavin Hastings
The LRC Selector Series Comes to Edinburgh on Thursday 23rd January for a special and intimate event with former Lions and Scotland legends Gavin & Scott Hastings!
READ MORE
Burns Night Whisky & Beer Tasting
Join us at Moonwake Taproom in Leith for unforgettable, unique Burns Night tasting event on Saturday 25th January with Cafe XO!
READ MORE
In conversation with Jackie Kay: The archive and the journey
This Burns day, Scotland's former Makar and award-winning writer Jackie Kay delves into her personal archive in conversation with National Librarian Amina Shah!
READ MORE
An Evening With: Jackie Kay
Poet, dramatist, writer and former Makar, Jackie Kay, joins The Lyceum for an evening exploring her writing and career in aid of the theatre.
READ MORE
Gary Stevenson: The Trading Game
In a journey equal parts extraordinary and unsettling, Gary will take us deep inside the high-stakes world of trillion-dollar trades, where profit and moral compromise collide.
READ MORE
Uncovering the Origin of the Book of Kells
Join noted scholar Dr Victoria Thompson Whitworth as she shares her work on links between the Picts and the Book of Kells - one of Christianity's most important medieval documents!
READ MORE
Weaving Colour: Ptolemy Mann at Dovecot
Meet artist Ptolemy Mann in person at Dovecot on 1st February and discover her sensational approach to colour and painting on cloth!
READ MORESponsored Links
Find other events in Edinburgh
Sponsored Links