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Monster, Magician, Machine: The Scientist in History and Myth (Food For Thought)


The physicist Stephen Hawking once described scientists as “the bearers of the torch of discovery in our search for knowledge.” Across time, the social roles occupied–and dangers presented–by these torchbearers have undergone radical shifts. From the natural philosophers of Ancient Greece to the magicians of medieval Europe, what it means to understand and manipulate the natural world has changed dramatically.

In this Food For Thought module presented by Collegium Institute's Magi Project for Science & Theology, “Monster, Magician, Machine: The Scientist in History and Myth,” we will explore the various archetypes that the scientist has filled throughout history, and contemplate what our new technological age might mean for the future of science as a field of human inquiry.

Dates: Wednesdays, 5:45 - 7:00 PM. Dinner and readings will be provided. 

  • October 21

  • October 28

  • November 4

  • November 11

  • November 18

Location: Harrison College House (Room M20), University of Pennsylvania

Registration: This program is open to all current undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.

If you are a Drexel University student, we ask that you RSVP at least 2 days in advance if possible since we will need to request that you be added to Harrison College House’s access list.

Registration deadline: Friday, October 16

To register, click the button below. Questions? Please contact Quinn Moore (qmoore@collegiuminstitute.org).

This seminar series is supported by a grant from the Lumen Christi Institute with funding from the John Templeton Foundation (Grant #63614).

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September 28

Engineering and the Good Life: A Professor’s Perspective (Fall 2026)