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 a 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. Professor Alvarez approaches these questions from a perspective informed by the Catholic intellectual tradition, while drawing more broadly from philosophical and religious traditions in the pursuit of what is true and good. He also writes about the relationship between faith, reason, and the good life at God Underneath.
Location: 3250 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - MacAlister Hall 2020 – Conference Room (Located on 2nd Floor of the building) on Drexel University.
Dates: Mondays 12pm-1pm. Lunch provided.
Sept. 28
Oct. 5
Oct. 12
Oct. 19
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, September 21
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 Mary Lee (mlee@collegiuminstitute.org).