The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies’ Center for Neurotechnology Studies

Cordially Invites You to Attend The Second Newman Lecture for 2010
 
February 26, 2010
3pm
   

The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is pleased to present the second event in the John Henry Cardinal Newman Lecture series for 2010, chaired by Dr. James Giordano, director of the Center for Neurotechnology Studies.

The lecture will be by Prof. Peter Moskovitz, MD, a surgeon and neurophilosopher on the faculty of the George Washington University School of Medicine.  His talk is entitled "Toward a Neurobiological Theory of Empathy." Prof. Moskovitz will explore the question of whether human beings are neurologically predisposed to behaviors commonly described as displaying empathy, sympathy, or altruism, all of which foster interaction within groups.  Prof. Moskovitz describes empathy as just one form of the group experience known as inter-subjectivity, an extension of individual subjectivity, which itself is in some ways synonymous with consciousness.  Seeking a deeper understanding of the phenomenon of empathy, Prof. Moskovitz will discuss a theoretical model of how consciousness occurs.  He will tie the empathic experience to a neurobiological explanation of subjectivity, addressing ways in which the social contract and social stability may in fact have biological underpinnings.  

Please join us for Prof. Moskovitz's lecture at 3 pm on the 26th, to be followed by a wine and cheese reception at 4:30.  The event will be held at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 901 North Stuart Street , Suite 200, Arlington VA, 22203, in the M-level conference room. For more information or to RSVP for the event, please contact Nancy Flynn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 703-416-1441 ext. 127.