Video of Programs (search and sort)

Science 2015: Highlights and Trends
04/17/2016
Steve Jacobs

Presentation by Steve Jacobs summarizing the HGP Science Discussions of 2015, highlighting the most interesting scientific research and the development of new technology. Key trends will be discussed, along with possible future implications. Steve holds bachelor’s degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Engineering Physics from Oregon State University. He is retired from Intel Corporation. His life-long interest in science led him to his career and to the Secular Humanist lifestance. Besides hosting our monthly Science Discussion, he conducts an Applying Humanism discussion group. He is a past-president of HGP.

Religious Freedom Restoration Acts
04/10/2016
James Oleske

Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, which once enjoyed broad bipartisan support, have become lightning rods of controversy over the past two years. In this talk, Jim Oleske discusses how efforts to extend RFRA rights into the commercial marketplace have prompted considerable backlash. Oleske is an Associate Professor at Lewis & Clark Law School. Prior to joining Lewis & Clark in 2011, Professor Oleske worked in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs. He was the 2014 recipient of an excellence in teaching award. His research focuses on the intersection of religious liberty and other constitutional values.

Probability & Scientific Inference (3)
02/28/2016
Laurent Beauregard

In Part Three of a three-part presentation, Laurent Beauregard discusses a standard view of scientific method. He then shows how this view can be expanded using Bayes Theorem. This method sheds light on how to evaluate extraordinary claims, including claims that miracles happen. This may hold up the canonization of Mother Teresa. Laurent holds an M.S. in physics and a Ph.D. in the history and philosophy of science.

Health Consequences of Space Radiation
02/21/2016
Mitchell Turker

Presentation by Mitchell Turker. Among the hazards for manned space travel, such as a trip to Mars and back, is exposure to ionizing radiation. Space radiation has three sources: galactic cosmic rays, solar flares, and trapped radiation belts. The presentation will explain space radiation and how it harms human tissues. It will include research data from the speaker and his collaborators.

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