D5. Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism and Progress(Murphy)

These classes will look at the concept of Enlightenment and Reason as the model for human progress and development.  We will ask several questions such as: What is progress?  What has been achieved?  How is this achievement connected to science and reason?  What is the future for human progress?  Topics that will be included are: health and wealth, democracy, rights and life, the environment, and peace and safety. The book of the same title, plus other writings will be used as the information source and guide for the class discussion.

GROUP LEADER:  Pete Murphy retired from teaching Management in the Business Studies Department at Assumption College in August of 2011.  He came to Assumption after a long career in the international energy industry, managing a variety of business and technical organizations.  He continues to consult in the fields of energy and of venture capital.  He is a regular Group Leader with WISE

REQUIRED BOOK:  Enlightenment Now: The Case for Reason, Science, Humanism, and Progress, by Steven Pinker, Viking 2018.