"This is Your Brain on Religion"
April 28, 2011 • 7:30-9:00 pm
Location 2120 Grainger
Building on Richard Davidson's pioneering researches into the neurophysiology of Buddhist meditation, the symposium will bring together neuroscientists and scholars of religion to discuss how such research might be extended to include contemplative practice within Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The event will feature short presentations by each of the panelists followed by extensive Q&A with audience.
Richard J. Davidson is the William James and Vilas Research Professor of Psychology
and Psychiatry, Director of the Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, the
Laboratory for Affective Neuroscience and the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds,
Waisman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has
published more than 250 articles, many chapters and reviews and edited 13 books. He was the Founding Co-Editor of the
new American Psychological Association journal EMOTION and is Past-President of the
Society for Research in Psychopathology and of the Society for Psychophysiological
Research. He was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time
Magazine in 2006. In 2006 he was also awarded the first Mani Bhaumik Award by
UCLA for advancing the understanding of the brain and conscious mind in healing.
Panelists include:
Elliot Wolfson, Abraham Lieberman Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, NYU
Andrew Dreitcer, Co-Director of the Center for Engaged Compassion, Associate Professor of Spirituality, Claremont School of Theology
Vincent Cornell, Asa G. Candler Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, Emory University
John Dunne, Associate Professor of Religion, Emory University
Michael Spezio, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Scripps College
Co-sponsored by the Center for Investigating Healthy Minds and the Isthmus Society.