Absolutely thrilling to attend a lecture this evening by one of the
foremost scientists in the UK, Neurobiologist Professor Susan Greenfield, first woman Director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain and a passionate advocate of the presence of women's voices in scientific investigation.
Her present work at the Templeton Foundation in Oxford "investigates whether science can elucidate the nature of belief and its effects on human
consciousness".
Her lecture tonight, presented at running speed and with
great enthusiasm and passion, considered the neurobiological
foundations of consciousness. It related directly to part of my studies
which is concerned with the phenomenological approach to human
perception and was quite fascinating for throwing light onto a whole
area of understanding with which I am just becoming familiar.
I have grown up in a world where science on one hand, and philosophy, religious
and spiritual beliefs were often on opposite sides of the fence, with
little discourse between the disciplines. Now there is an intelligent
and exiting movement of exploration growing, led by people such as
Professor Greenfield, people who are prepared to say "this phenomenon -
belief, emotion, feeling, etc exists - let us look at it from many different directions, let us bring all our skills and ideas to bear and see if we can understand it more by our sharing of ideas".
It seems natural and logical to me to approach enquiry in a spirit of open mindedness, and this lecture tonight really illuminated the possibilities for the growth of knowledge and understanding that can arise as a result of this ecumenical approach.
We are never too old for new knowledge, for widening our horisont. You are leading such an active and interesting life, and you meet so many intereting people. Thanks for sharing with us. It inspires me.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | Sunday, May 08, 2005 at 05:19