What is the relationship between Engineering and the Good Life? In this series, led by Professor Nicolas Alvarez (Drexel), we will explore the mission and vocation of engineers, as well as the economic, ethical, and epistemological challenges they face in their profession.
We will begin by examining our contemporary technocratic society, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to develop a comprehensive perspective on social reality—one that allows us to understand relationships between various aspects of life and make right and wise decisions in an increasingly complex world.
Throughout the series, we will engage with fundamental questions about the meaning of life, our purpose, the nature of goodness, and the role of work and leisure in achieving happiness. In considering how to live well as an engineer, we will also seek to establish connections between philosophical and religious traditions, technology and ethics, and charity and justice.
Program Director Nicolas Alvarez is an Associate Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Drexel University. He received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and has published extensively in his field.
Dates: Monday afternoons, 12:00 - 1:00 pm. Lunch will be provided.
March 31
April 7
April 14
April 28
Location: University of Pennsylvania's campus (exact location to be announced).
Registration: This program is open to all current undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. To RSVP, please complete the form below, using your university-affiliated email address.
Deadline: Monday, March 24
Space is limited and registration will be closed if it reaches full capacity before the deadline. Please do not register unless you can commit to attending at least 3 of the 4 sessions.
Questions? Email Esther Lee (elee@collegiuminstitute.org).