Community of Reason
A Center for Free Thought

We meet in  Room 301, Haag Hall, University of Missouri, Kansas City
(NW Corner 52^nd Street and Rockhill Road)
(Parking Structure, 4^th Level, SW corner of 52^nd Street and Rockhill Road, walk across breezeway, turn right)

Sunday Events for August 2008

Informal Gathering at 12:30 p.m.
All events begin at 1:00 p.m.

Aug 3^rd    “The Upcoming Economics Stakes”

Sheldon Stahl, Economics Professor Emeritus

Dr. Stahl will share his sense of the different alternatives attached to the two presidential candidates and the implications of each.

Skeptical Religious Studies   -   Haag Hall, Room 307
10am - Buddhism - The Path to Nirvana
11:15am - The New Testament - Paul & Crisis of His Churches - 1^st Corinthians

Aug 10^th    “Would a Wind Turbine Work in Your Backyard?”

Joe Spease, President of Pristine Power, Renewable Energy Project Developers

Wind, solar, and hydrogen solutions to energy issues will be discussed.  Learn about issues encountered with installing a wind turbine at the Overland Park Sprint Campus and examine the potential for your home or business.

Skeptical Religious Studies   -   Haag Hall, Room 307
10am - Hinduism - Caste
1:15am - Islam - The Muslim Community – Faith & Politics

Aug 17^th    “Aristotle’s Ethics and Economics”

Charlie Reitz, Philosophy Professor

We’ll examine ancient Greek humanism as a foundation for social conduct.

Skeptical Religious Studies   -   Haag Hall, Room 307
10am - Buddhism - The Buddhist Community
11:15am - New Testament – Pauline Ethics

Aug 24^th    “The Intersection of Art and Science”

Bob Paisley, Founding Member of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre

The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre places science center stage each season having produced “Q.E.D.”, “Copenhagen” and next spring offering Berthold Brecht’s “Galileo”.  Not himself a science person, Bob played one of the world’s most prominent scientists, physicist Werner Heisenberg and will describe some of the consequent acting challenges.

11:00am - Special Screening of “Copenhagen” (Running time of 117 minutes) *

Aug 31^st    “Blood in the Land of Snow: An Historical and Cultural Context for Protest and Violent Repression in Tibet”

Ray Porter, Philosopher, Social Scientist, and college instructor

Beginning in March of this Year the world was stunned with images of violence from Tibet when protests broke out anew over the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Despite China’s attempts to present an image of modernization and increased regard for human rights prior the Beijing Olympics. Once more their actions belie their words. A brief overview of the historical relationship between Tibet and China will explain why their problems will not go away.

Skeptical Religious Studies   -   Haag Hall, Room 307
10am - Hinduism - Men, Women and the Stages of Life
11:15am - Islam - Paths to God - Islamic Law and Mysticism

*  “Copenhagen” Howard Davies’ directs Michael Frayn’s Tony Award winning Best Play 2000, depicting the 1941 meeting between Werner Heisenberg and Neil Bohr. Actors: Stephen Rea (“The Crying Game”, 1992), Daniel Craig (“Golden Compass”, 2007 and “Casino Royale”, 2006, as James Bond), Francesca Annis (“Jane Eyre”, 2006). Co-Produced by the BBC and KCET.

WEEKEND POTLUCKS AND RESTAURANT HOPPING - Call for time and location