The Convergence of Culture and Science: Expanding the Humanities Curriculum

FAIN: AC-50156-12

University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez (Mayaguez, PR 00680-6475)
Dana L. Collins (Project Director: July 2011 to October 2016)

A series of faculty seminars and curriculum development activities on artificial intelligence; the confluence of philosophy, engineering, and technological choice; and theism, cosmology, and evolution.

"The Convergence of Culture and Science: Expanding the Humanities Curriculum" is a three-year project at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, consisting of a series of faculty development seminars and related follow-up activities on artificial intelligence; the confluence of philosophy, engineering, and technological choice; and theism, cosmology, and evolution. The project explores the intersection of the humanities and the growing density and depth of scientific discoveries and bourgeoning changes in technologies. Over the three years, faculty from the humanities, engineering, and the social, natural, and agricultural sciences read and discuss key texts with invited scholars in preparation for developing three interdisciplinary courses on artificial intelligence; appropriate technology: engineering, philosophy, and technology choice; and theism, cosmology, and evolution. In year one, participants read Descartes' Discourse on Method and Meditations on First Philosophy, Pamela McCorduck's Machines Who Think, and Tim Crane's The Mechanical Mind: A Philosophical Introduction to Minds, Machines and Mental Representation, among other works, to consider the social, philosophical, psychological, and technical aspects of the creation and use of artificial intelligence. In year two, guest scholars Carl Mitcham (Colorado School of Mines) and Indira Nair (Carnegie Mellon University) lead faculty in explorations of the philosophical and social aspects of engineering design and technological innovation, related questions of policy, and the "idea of 'progress,'" using such works as Mitcham's Thinking Through Technology: The Path Between Engineering and Philosophy and D. Riley's Engineering and Social Justice. Year three features scholars Jorge Ferrer-Negron (UPRM), Enectali Figueroa-Feliciano (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and Donald Pfister (Harvard University) in discussions of the history of theism, the philosophy of religion, the Big Bang and String theories of the origins of the universe, and Darwin's On the Origin of Species and its impact in the world. Teleconferences extend the academic exchanges with scholars.

Media Coverage

¿Cómo comenzó todo? (Review)
Author(s): Rebecca Carrero Figueroa
Publication: Prensa RUM
Date: 8/29/2014
Abstract: Review of the presentation of Dr. George Coyne on Quantum Evolution and Cosmology.
URL: http://www.uprm.edu/portada/article.php?id=2985

Associated Products

The Convergence of Mind, Conciousness, and Computers (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: The Convergence of Mind, Conciousness, and Computers
Author: Dr. Anderson Brown
Author: Dr. J. Fernando Vega
Author: Dr. Ana Nieves
Abstract: A team taught course titled "Mind, Consciousness, and Computers" is a General Education Course that explores the philosophical, psychological, and technological interdisciplinary aspects and uses of Artificial Intelligence.
Year: 2012
Audience: K - 12
Audience: Undergraduate

The Creation and Development of Interdisciplinary Courses and Sequences (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: The Creation and Development of Interdisciplinary Courses and Sequences
Author: Dr. Carolyn Haynes
Abstract: A faculty development seminar focused on the development and creation of interdisciplinary courses and sequences. Dr. Carolyn Haynes presented methods and practices on the creation of interdisciplinary courses and programs, worked with the participating professors on the creation, design, and development of their interdisciplinary courses, and worked with the Convergence of Science, Technology, and the Humanities Project Steering Committee on the development and design of the Interdisciplinary Humanities Sequence.
Date Range: 22-23 Febrary 2012
Location: Universtiy of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Appropriate and Alternative Technologies: Detailed Course Description (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Appropriate and Alternative Technologies: Detailed Course Description
Author: Christopher Papadopolous
Author: Hector Huyke
Author: Marcel Castro
Author: Dana L. Collins
Abstract: Appropriate Technology: Detailed description for second offering of course Following the appropriate technology tradition and philosophy of technology as theoretical frameworks, this course examines practices of technology innovation and engineering design, and conceptions of human progress. The student develops skills in scientific reasoning and philosophy to be able to critique contemporary technological culture and compare alternative technological options that are oriented to achieving sustainability and fostering human wellbeing in communities and globally. A partir de la tradición en tecnología apropiada y la filosofía de la tecnología como marcos teóricos, este curso examina prácticas de innovación en tecnología y de diseño ingenieril, y conceptos de progreso humano. El estudiante desarrolla habilidades en razonamiento científico y en filosofía para poder hacer un análisis crítico de la cultura tecnológica contemporánea y poder comparar opciones tecnológicas alternas que están orientadas a lograr sustentabilidad y a promover el bienestar humano en las comunidades y globalmente.
Year: 2015
Audience: Undergraduate

Appropriate and Alternative Technologies: Revised Syllabus (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Appropriate and Alternative Technologies: Revised Syllabus
Author: Christopher Papadopolous
Author: Hector Huyke
Author: Marcel Castro
Author: Dana Collins
Abstract: The second offering of the course Appropriate and Alternative Technologies required a revised syllabus that responded to the student evaluations for the first offering of the course. This revised syllabus included a revised reading list for the students as well as revising the objectives of the course. The fifth objective was revised as follows: 5. Students will be encouraged to develop a shared sense of responsibility for choosing and for collaborating in bringing about the technologies that go with achieving sustainability and fostering human wellbeing in communities and globally.
Year: 2015
Primary URL: ecourses.uprm.edu
Primary URL Description: This is published on the moodle page for the University.
Audience: Undergraduate

The Convergence of Science, Technology, and the Humanities I (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: The Convergence of Science, Technology, and the Humanities I
Author: Dana L Collins
Abstract: This course is an interdisciplinary investigation of the links between the sciences, technology, and the humanities. The impact of technology and science on human culture from ancient times (including the Babylonian and Egyptian cultures) through the Renaissance will be examined. This course will address the enduring questions of "What is progress", What defines us as human beings", and "How does technology affect our culture".
Year: 2016
Audience: Undergraduate

The Convergence of Science, Technology, and the Humanities II (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: The Convergence of Science, Technology, and the Humanities II
Author: Dana L Collins
Abstract: This course is an interdisciplinary investigation of the links between the sciences, technology, and the humanities. The impact of technology and science on human culture from the 1600's to present times will be examined. This course will address the enduring questions of "What is progress", What defines us as human beings", and "How does technology affect our culture".
Year: 2016
Audience: Undergraduate

Technology, Justice, and Wellbeing (revised course) (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Technology, Justice, and Wellbeing (revised course)
Author: Héctor Huyke
Author: Marcel Castro
Author: Christopher Papadopolous
Abstract: Study of contemporary technological culture and comparison with alternative and appropriate technological options that are oriented to achieving sustainability, improving the conditions of life on earth and satisfying the needs of the community. En español: Estudio de la cultura tecnológica contemporánea y comparación con opciones tecnológicas alternativas y apropiadas orientadas a la sustentabilidad, a mejorar las condiciones de vida en la tierra, y a satisfacer las necesidades de la comunidad. Following the appropriate technology tradition and philosophy of technology as theoretical frameworks, this course examines practices of technology innovation and engineering design, and conceptions of human progress. The student develops skills in scientific reasoning and philosophy to be able to critique contemporary technological culture and compare alternative technological options that are oriented to achieving sustainability and fostering human wellbeing in communities and globally.
Year: 2014
Audience: Undergraduate

Mind, Consciousness, and Machines (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Mind, Consciousness, and Machines
Author: José Fernando Vega
Author: Anderson Brown
Author: Ana Nieves-Rosa
Abstract: Interdisciplinary study of the concept of “Intelligence” from the perspectives of Psychology, Philosophy, and Computation. Artificial Intelligence is studied in relation to an understanding of human intelligence, its meanings, the theories that support them, and other associated aspects, such as: learning, perception, memory, mind, brain, and consciousness, among others. The course includes laboratory demonstrations of existing Artificial Intelligence technologies, as well as class debates.
Year: 2012
Audience: Undergraduate

Cosmology, Evolution, and Belief (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Cosmology, Evolution, and Belief
Author: Matías Cafaro
Author: Matthew Landers
Author: Raúl Portuondo
Abstract: Study of the origin and evolution of the universe, life, and thought from the perspectives of physics, biology, and philosophy. Students will explore the deep complexity of the universe and life through an introductory integrated examination of the dynamic process of evolution of three different objects: the Cosmos (with their fundamental constituents and natural laws), Life (from its origin to human beings), and Belief (from primitive cultures and ancient civilizations to present societies).
Year: 2014
Audience: Undergraduate

Cosmology, Evolution, and Belief (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Cosmology, Evolution, and Belief
Author: Matías Cafaro
Author: Matthew Landers
Author: Raúl Portuondo
Abstract: Study of the origin and evolution of the universe, life, and thought from the perspectives of physics, biology, and philosophy. Students will explore the deep complexity of the universe and life through an introductory integrated examination of the dynamic process of evolution of three different objects: the Cosmos (with their fundamental constituents and natural laws), Life (from its origin to human beings), and Belief (from primitive cultures and ancient civilizations to present societies).
Year: 2014
Audience: Undergraduate

Increasing Student Engagement Through the Development of Interdisciplinary Courses: Linking Engineering and Technology, the Sciences, and the Humanities (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Increasing Student Engagement Through the Development of Interdisciplinary Courses: Linking Engineering and Technology, the Sciences, and the Humanities
Author: Matthew Landers
Author: Matías Cafaro
Author: Raúl Portuondo
Author: Anderson Brown
Author: Ana Nieves-Rosa
Author: J. Fernando Vega
Author: Christopher Papadopoulos
Author: Héctor Huyke
Author: Nayda G. Santiago
Author: Dana L. Collins
Abstract: The changes in the defining ideas of the contemporary world, the exponential growth of knowledge, and the expansion of technological innovations have created a need for a critical examination of the convergences and connections between the sciences, engineering, and the humanities. Today, there are areas of study so complex that they go beyond confines of a single discipline. Examples of such areas include (1) the comparative study of concepts of mind, consciousness, and machines, (2) the critique of the technological culture through appropriate and alternative technology approaches, and (3) the questions surrounding cosmology, evolution, and beliefs. In response to this, we have developed interdisciplinary, teamtaught, general education courses on artificial intelligence, appropriate technology, and the origins of the universe that respond to the above challenges, while fostering the ability of our students to use skill sets and concepts from different and divergent disciplines in order to examine such complex areas of study. In this paper, we will present the interdisciplinary courses developed for the first year experience that integrate humanities, engineering, psychology, biology, and physics, as well as the associated strategies for interdisciplinary teamwork and techniques used in the courses. The preliminary results indicate that, while there is a need for continuous retooling of the course model to better reflect the General Education goals and the university culture, this is a successful course model for our institution. They also indicate that the students’ engagement and critical thinking and integrative skills improved. The data also suggests that this type of interdisciplinary intervention in the beginning years of university study positively impacts the development of students' abilities in these areas.
Date: 10/25/2015
Conference Name: Frontiers in Education 2015 International Conference, El Paso, Texas

Human vs. Artificial Intelligence (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Human vs. Artificial Intelligence
Abstract: This conference explored what 1) what human intelligence is about; 2) how people have tried, over the past few decades, to get computers to do intelligent things; 3) how sometimes their strategies have imitated the way the human mind works; and 4) how sometimes they have diverged enormously from the way the human mind works. This includes a historical perspective, including the positive and negative aspects of the more important projects in the area. Dr. Hofstadter is the author of 12 books (the last of which is to be published this year) and is a world-wide recognized authority on Cognitive Science. His conference was directly related to our NEH project and forms an integral part of the exploration of what is “human intelligence vs. artificial intelligence”. The seminar was open to faculty and students, especially those enrolled in the course Mind, Consciousness, and Computers. Dr. Hofstadter’s background in Mathematics, Physics, and Cognitive Science demonstrated by example to the students that understanding or studying, albeit in an introductory manner, is necessary in the modern world. The funds to pay his honorarium were obtained by cost savings during the first year.
Author: Dr. Douglas Hofstadter
Date: 9/17/2012
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Appropriate and Alternative Technologies in Interdisciplinary Contexts (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Appropriate and Alternative Technologies in Interdisciplinary Contexts
Author: Carl Mitcham
Author: Indira Nair
Abstract: This faculty development seminar focused on the philosophical aspects of the design, use and choice of technologies. Emphasis was given to the analysis of the idea of progress, the concept of humanitarian engineering and how different conceptions of human progress relate to differences in design and innovation in technology. The seminar ended with a round table discussion on the benefits and detractions of different types of technologies. Both Drs. Nair and Mitcham served as consultants for the course team.
Date Range: 3/16/2103
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Care, Engineering, Technology, and Global Justice (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Care, Engineering, Technology, and Global Justice
Author: Indira Nair
Abstract: This talk explored some of the awareness, thinking and competencies that the global citizen of today needs in general. It touched on the aspects that all of us need to reflect on as we design or make decisions everyday about technology- care and justice in its design and use. Starting with a definition of care, the talk articulated some properties - complexity, systems, interdependence - of the technological systems that we have come to depend upon and how we could design, use and spread these with care and justice for a sustainable world. A call for reflection on the role of technology and science in today's living, in our thinking, and how to do it with care in our individual dealings and how care at this level is a pre-requisite to global justice in the deployment of technology. The primary purpose of this reflection was to consider whether we are asking the right questions, solving the right problems, and bringing the right perspectives, starting from our various disciplinary points of view.
Date Range: 3/14/2013
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Appropriate and Alternative, Technology and Life (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Appropriate and Alternative, Technology and Life
Author: Carl Mitcham
Abstract: Dr. Mitcham discussed "What is "appropriate" about appropriate technology?" The question requires more than a technological or engineering response. The abbreviation of "appropriate technology" (AT) can also be read as "alternative technology." The second reading suggests a more radical approach to the same think about what we are doing as we replace the natural with the built environment and turn the world into an artifact. It is thus useful to consider the dialogue between these two terms - using two approaches to one particular kind of technology, energy technology. Whether and to what extent we can develop an appropriate or an alternative energy technology will be crucial to the kind of world-artifact we will construct. This contrast will further distinguish two approaches to an ethical assessment of energy: Type I energy ethics is grounded in a belief that increases in energy production and use are both humanizing and civilizing; Type II energy ethics questions this belief and argues that beyond a certain point, energy production and use become counterproductive. Our technological way of life is currently determined by Type I energy ethics, although Type II energy ethics deserves a hearing. A provocative illustration of the Type II approach to energy will reference energy ethics and policy in China. In the end, a case for the pursuit not just of an appropriate technology but an alternative technology and way of life was made.
Date Range: 3/14/2013
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Presentation of results and evaluations of the course on Mind, Consciousness, and Machines (originally-Embodied cognitive science: the impact of robotics.) (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Presentation of results and evaluations of the course on Mind, Consciousness, and Machines (originally-Embodied cognitive science: the impact of robotics.)
Author: Ana Nieves Rosa
Author: Anderson Brown
Author: J. Fernando Vega
Abstract: The results and evaluations of the first course were presented to the NEH Convergence group and any interested professors. Materials used in the first interdisciplinary course were presented and discussed so that the participants could utilize the materials in their courses, if applicable. The results indicated that the students prefer to meet with all of the professors in all of the class meetings. They found meeting with the professors separately, did not demonstrate nor support the goals of the project or course. For this reason, one-third way through the course, then professors met with all of the students for all of the class meetings. In addition to the originally planned seminar, the course team members added information on the results and evaluations of the first team-taught course offered under the NEH grant.
Date Range: 4/14/2013
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Considerations about human and artificial intelligence from Psychology (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Considerations about human and artificial intelligence from Psychology
Author: Ana Nieves Rosa
Abstract: A discussion on the psychological aspects of artificial intelligence and the most up-to-date notion of intelligence in Psychology, as well as the implications of these debates in the conceptualizations on human intelligence; the notion of human intelligence vs. the notion of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, this seminar included an examination of the implications of both at the level of operationalization of these concepts as well as a look towards the evolution and development of both in regard to the notion of what represents intelligent behavior.
Date Range: 2/2/2013
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Turing Machines: Can consciousness emerge from computers? (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Turing Machines: Can consciousness emerge from computers?
Author: J. Fernando Vega
Abstract: Dr. Vega examined the history of Turing machines and their abilities and uses from the perspective of Godel's incompleteness theorems. The enduring questions examined were: Is the brain a Turing machine? Can the paradoxes and apparent contradictions of human thought be explained in the light of Godel's theorem? When the limits of electronic computers are reached, can quantum computers offer the solution to many the current shortcomings of artificial intelligence? Will (or can) consciousness emerge from computing machines?
Date Range: 4/20/2013
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

The Problem of Consciousness. (original title: Mental representation: The Cartesian tradition and contemporary alternatives) (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: The Problem of Consciousness. (original title: Mental representation: The Cartesian tradition and contemporary alternatives)
Author: Anderson Brown
Abstract: A discussion of the the mind/body dualism as derived form Descartes and contemporary philosophers and the assigned readings. The discussion covered a brief history of mind/body dualism and its effect or influence on the development of "thinking" machines or how humans view the possibility of machines that "think". This seminar was offered on 22 March 2012 and was attended by the members of the NEH group and interested faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences
Date Range: 3/22/2012
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

The Creation and Development of Interdisciplinary Courses (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: The Creation and Development of Interdisciplinary Courses
Author: Dr. Carolyn Haynes
Abstract: Research and discussion on the creation of interdisciplinary courses began the first cycle of seminars in order to prepare the participants for creating and offering their own interdisciplinary courses. Dr. Carolyn Haynes, consultant of the Integrative Studies Association, gave a two day seminar (The Creation and Development of Interdisciplinary Courses) on the elements of interdisciplinary studies in 25-26 February 2012. This seminar was attended by all participating faculty members, as well as interested faculty from across the disciplines. In this seminar, Dr. Haynes led the participants in an investigation of how an interdisciplinary context could be employed at UPRM. The principal topics discussed in this seminar were: • basic design of interdisciplinary courses • design of assignments or the courses • methods for evaluation of the courses • possible obstacles confronted by those interested in working in an interdisciplinary context During the course of the seminar, the participants worked in cross-disciplinary groups on various mini-projects to aid them in designing topics and materials for interdisciplinary research. These cross-disciplinary groups included faculty members from the Humanities, the Sciences, and Engineering fields.
Date Range: 2/25/2012
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Appropriate and Alternative, Technology and Life. (Public Lecture or Presentation)
Title: Appropriate and Alternative, Technology and Life.
Abstract: A discussion of "What is "appropriate" about appropriate technology?" The question requires more than a technological or engineering response. The abbreviation of "appropriate technology" (AT) can also be read as "alternative technology." The second reading suggests a more radical approach to the same think about what we are doing as we replace the natural with the built environment and turn the world into an artifact. It is thus useful to consider the dialogue between these two terms - using two approaches to one particular kind of technology, energy technology. Whether and to what extent we can develop an appropriate or an alternative energy technology will be crucial to the kind of world-artifact we will construct. This contrast will further distinguish two approaches to an ethical assessment of energy: Type I energy ethics is grounded in a belief that increases in energy production and use are both humanizing and civilizing; Type II energy ethics questions this belief and argues that beyond a certain point, energy production and use become counterproductive. Our technological way of life is currently determined by Type I energy ethics, although Type II energy ethics deserves a hearing. A provocative illustration of the Type II approach to energy will reference energy ethics and policy in China. In the end, a case for the pursuit not just of an appropriate technology but an alternative technology and way of life was made.
Author: Dr. Carl Mitcham
Date: 3/14/2013
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

The biology of the fungal tree of life (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: The biology of the fungal tree of life
Author: Dr. Donald Pfister
Abstract: In the seminar for the UPRM community, Dr. Pfister discussed the use of evolution and ecology to provide students with important life skills in regard to being informed global citizens. In this workshop he explored how it is that historical topics around early evolution debates set the stage for present day concepts and presentations. Using a course that was developed for the General Education program at Harvard University, we examined the way in which an integrated presentation (with literature, biology, and history) can lead students to broaden their views about the world in which they live and relate to their studies outside particular fields.
Date Range: 1/16/2014
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Trees and forests: teaching evolution and biodiversity (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Trees and forests: teaching evolution and biodiversity
Author: Dr. Donald Pfister
Abstract: Dr. Donald Pfister presented faculty seminars on evolution to the UPRM community. The seminars focused on the philosophical and interdisciplinary aspects of evolution. Emphasis was given to an analysis of Darwin's Origin of the species, the concept of evolution, and and the interdisciplinary connections between evolution, cosmology, and belief.
Date Range: 1/18/2014
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Integration Biology and Science into an interdisciplinary context (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Integration Biology and Science into an interdisciplinary context
Author: Dr. Donald Pfister
Abstract: Selected group of professors discussed integration of biology and science into an interdisciplinary context with other disciplines. This was done in relation to existing formats in various universities, especially how it is implemented in Harvard University. Dr. Donald Pfister is a world-wide recognized authority on evolution and fungi and this seminar formed an integral part of the exploration of what constitutes the beginning of the universe in preparation for offering the interdisciplinary course Cosmology, Evolution, and Beliefs in August of 2014.
Date Range: 1/19/2014
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Questioning Technology as an Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning Experience. (Originally titled: Interdisciplinarity and Appropriate Technology) (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Questioning Technology as an Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning Experience. (Originally titled: Interdisciplinarity and Appropriate Technology)
Author: Christopher Papadopoplous
Author: Marcel Castro-Sirtiche
Author: Hector Huyke
Abstract: The seminar Alternative and Appropriate Technologies: Technology for Whom? Technology for What? provided an interactive discussion of the philosophical, engineering, and technological aspects of alternative and appropriate technologies, as well as the methods and assessment results from the class. In particular, the workshop explored key motivating exercises conducted in the class, What Appropriate Technology means and how to build a course around this topic; how interdisciplinary inquiry ranging from philosophy to technical literacy was incorporated to critically examine Appropriate Technology; the interdisciplinary skills developed by students, ranging from writing critiques in essay form to estimating physical quantities; and the transformational experiences expressed by both students and faculty. The workshop was particularly useful to the following audiences: Faculty interested in teaching interdisciplinary general education courses, Faculty seeking to enrich their disciplinary courses with interdisciplinary methods, Administrators supportive of interdisciplinary general education courses. All concerned with how technology impacts society, quality of life, and wellbeing.
Date Range: 3/22/2014
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Quantum Cosmology and Creation (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Quantum Cosmology and Creation
Author: Dr. George Coyne, S.J.
Abstract: Dr. George Coyne, S.J., Professor Emeritus of Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY presented a seminar on cosmology and belief to the UPRM Community. This seminar focused on the philosophical and interdisciplinary aspects of cosmology. Emphasis was given to an analysis of what is the cosmos and the interdisciplinary connections between evolution, cosmology, and belief systems . Dr. Coyne is a world-wide recognized authorities on cosmology and is a former director of the Vatican Observatory and one of the leading scholars articulating a relationship between natural sciences and theology. He belongs to a group that sustains that natural sciences and religions are complementary and not in conflict. However, a possible dialogue between these two sources of knowledge raises some questions and it was these questions that were examined in the faculty and UPRM Seminars.
Date Range: 8/19/2014
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

The Implications of Scientific Evolution to the Semantics of the Christian Faith (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: The Implications of Scientific Evolution to the Semantics of the Christian Faith
Author: Dr. George Coyne, S.J.
Abstract: During this seminar Dr. George Coyne, S.J., addressed the issue of how what we know from science about the evolution of life in the universe influences our religious attitudes and to what extent can religious thought contributes to our scientific understanding of the origins and evolution of life in the universe. This twofold question poses the serious risk of transgressing upon the epistemological independence of the various disciplines: theology, philosophy, astrophysics, biology and cosmology, and creating, thereby, more confusion than understanding. Therefore, it is that possible to establish a fruitful dialogue between natural sciences, philosophy and faith? What are the conditions that render possible such interdisciplinary dialogue? From the religious side this dialogue must be limited to the rational foundations for religious belief. The seminar included the following topics: (I) the Science of the Universe, Cosmology and Life's Origins, (ii) biblical faith and Christianity, (iii) possible models of interactions between natural sciences and religious faith, (iv) the limits of our scientific and religious knowledge, (v) what would both, natural sciences and religious faith, gain from a dialogue?
Date Range: 8/22/2014
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Final Colloquium: Information, Content and results of the course: Cosmology, Evolution, and Belief. (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Final Colloquium: Information, Content and results of the course: Cosmology, Evolution, and Belief.
Author: Matthew Landers
Author: Matías Cafaro
Author: Raúl Portuondo
Abstract: The seminar provided an interactive discussion of the philosophical, evolutionary, and cosmological aspects on the origins of the universe, as well as the methods and assessment results from the class and how the team integrated those topics in this type of interdisciplinary course. They also presented the results of the course, which included the evaluations of the course by both participating students and professors. In particular, the workshop explored key motivating exercises conducted in the class, such as: What are the theories of the beginning of the Universe both from the scientific and belief points of view; How could the interdisciplinary inquiry ranging from philosophy to evolution to physics explain the origins of the universe; and what does belief affect our understandings of our beginnings.
Date Range: 1/15/2015
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Final Colloquium: Information, Content and results of the course: Cosmology, Evolution, and Belief. (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Final Colloquium: Information, Content and results of the course: Cosmology, Evolution, and Belief.
Author: Matthew Landers
Author: Matías Cafaro
Author: Raúl Portuondo
Abstract: The seminar provided an interactive discussion of the philosophical, evolutionary, and cosmological aspects on the origins of the universe, as well as the methods and assessment results from the class and how the team integrated those topics in this type of interdisciplinary course. They also presented the results of the course, which included the evaluations of the course by both participating students and professors. In particular, the workshop explored key motivating exercises conducted in the class, such as: What are the theories of the beginning of the Universe both from the scientific and belief points of view; How could the interdisciplinary inquiry ranging from philosophy to evolution to physics explain the origins of the universe; and what does belief affect our understandings of our beginnings.
Date Range: 1/15/2015
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Guide for the Creation of Interdisciplinary, Team-taught Courses (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Guide for the Creation of Interdisciplinary, Team-taught Courses
Author: Héctor Huyke
Author: Dana L. Collins
Author: Nayda Santiago
Author: Lucas Avilés
Author: Roberto Seijo
Author: Héctor Jiménez
Abstract: Guide to requesting to teach an interdisciplinary, team-taught course. This guide was created in order to ensure the good implementation and continuation of the interdisciplinary, team-taught course format.
Year: 2016
Audience: Other

Interdisciplinary Humanities Sequence (Course or Curricular Material)
Title: Interdisciplinary Humanities Sequence
Author: Dana L. Collins
Author: Nayda Santiago
Author: Héctor Huyke
Author: Roberto Seijo
Author: Héctor Jiménez
Author: Lucas Avilés
Abstract: The Interdisciplinary Humanities Sequence is a sequence of five (5) courses that explore the enduring humanistic questions from diverse perspectives. Two of the courses are a study of Western Culture, while the remaining three courses are interdisciplinary, team-taught courses that consider the areas of artificial intelligence, alternative and appropriate technologies, and the origins of the universe.
Year: 2016
Audience: Undergraduate

Enseñanza Y Aprendizaje Interdisciplinario (Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning) (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Enseñanza Y Aprendizaje Interdisciplinario (Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning)
Author: Dana L. Collins
Abstract: A discussion of the format of the UPRM NEH project, the goals, objectives, and results of the project. It included a discussion of the courses created under the project, along with other types of interdisciplinary projects and products.
Date Range: 12/3/2014
Location: University of Puerto Rico, Cayey

¿Cómo comenzó todo? (Web Resource)
Title: ¿Cómo comenzó todo?
Author: Rebecca Carrero Figueroa
Abstract: Review of the conference and seminar given by Dr. George Coyne S.J.
Year: 2014

¿Qué se sabe del Universo y la vida? (Web Resource)
Title: ¿Qué se sabe del Universo y la vida?
Author: Rebecca Carrero Figueroa
Abstract: Online article covering the seminars offered by Dr. George Coyne, S.J. it covered the content of his presentation, as well as a discussion of the NEH project.
Year: 2014

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