Two world-renowned Florida State University researchers — evolutionary anthropologist Dean Falk and philosopher Alfred Mele — will join leading scientists from around the world in various discussions, panels and presentations during the 2015 World Science Festival.
An annual event for serious science enthusiasts, the festival features 50 events and takes place May 27-31 in multiple venues in New York City.
Falk, the Hale G. Smith Professor of Anthropology and a distinguished research professor at FSU, will participate in:
“Planet of the Humans: The Leap to the Top,” a public panel on human uniqueness from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at the New York University Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place. The event will explore whether humans became the world’s dominant species through numerous baby steps or in one giant leap.
“Spotlight: Women in Science” from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at NeueHouse, 110 E. 25th St. Falk and three other noted female scientists will discuss their work, their triumphs and challenges and what inspires them.
Mele, the William H. and Lucyle T. Werkmeister Professor of Philosophy at FSU, will participate in:
“Science and Story Café,” an opportunity to join top science authors for coffee and conversation from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at the NYU Kimmel Center Commuter Lounge, 60 Washington Square S., Room 203. Mele will discuss his 2014 book “Free: Why Science Hasn’t Disproved Free Will” from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“World Science U for a Day: Evolution of Mind and Matter,” a daylong event that will explore humankind’s grandest mysteries on Saturday, May 30. Mele will present a lecture, “Free Will and Neuroscience,” from 2:20 to 3:20 p.m. in the auditorium of the City University of New York’s Advanced Science Research Center, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace.
“Mind Over Masters: The Question of Free Will” from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 30, in the NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. The event will discuss the degree to which people make conscious decisions or whether actions are predetermined.
To learn more about the programs and participants of the 2015 World Science Festival, visit http://www.worldsciencefestival.com.