Event details
This month's speaker is Mitch Diamond, author of Darwin's Apple.
The cognitive science of religion has become an active academic discipline in the last few decades but remains mired with several conflicting theories and approaches that leave the ultimate purpose and reason for the origin of religion unresolved. Academics cannot agree if religion is an accidental byproduct or an evolved adaptation. Darwin’s Apple proposes a new hypothesis for the origin and purpose of religion based on the effect religion has on individual cognition and emotion rather than as a boon to social cohesion or beliefs in supernatural gods. Darwin's Apple explains how religion is adaptive, and why it endures, even in our modern, technological society.
About the Speaker Mitch Diamond got his BA in Biology from UC Santa Cruz and has maintained a keen interest in the biology of human behavior while pursuing a career in technical writing in medical device and pharma companies.
About the Free Event Our colloquiums are free events, open to the public, at the Manteca Library. Those of all worldviews and faiths are welcome. Doors open at 6:45 PM and our featured talk starts at 7:00 PM sharp. We expect most Colloquiums to last until about 8:30 PM followed by mingling and cleanup. Please use the library entrance on Center Street. Parking is free. Some desserts may be provided. A suggested donations of $10 supports this and future events.
Dinner Before For those interested in having dinner first, head to the GK Mongolian BBQ (1039 S Main St) prior to the event. People typically arrive around 5:30 and leave at 6:30 to start setting up at the Manteca Library.