Tim White, Professor of Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley, joins host Harry Kreisler for a discussion of how science is changing our understanding of mankind's origins.
UC Berkeley's Ken Goldberg, Professor of Industrial Engineering, joins Conversations Host Harry Kreisler for a discussion of his dual careers as an industrial engineer who designs robots and an artist whose creations use robots to stimulate understanding of technology's impact.
KEYWORDS: Technology, Art, Robotics, Humans and Machines
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Berkeley's Ken Goldberg for a conversation on his research as a professor of engineering and his recent projects as an artist. Starting with a discussion of robotics in surgery and cancer therapy, Goldberg then moves to an analysis of their application in disasters and on the battlefield. Describing several of his recent art projects, Goldberg then discusses complementarities with his engineering research. Drawing on the work of Heidegger, Goldberg reflects on the philosophical implications of 'telepresence.' The conversation then...
Political scientist Steven Weber talks with Conversations Host Harry Kreisler about the implications of the network paradigm for democracy, private property, and international relations.
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Samuel Scheffler, University Professor, New York University, for a discussion of philosophical inquiry. Scheffler discusses his work on valuing with particular attention to his essays on terrorism, immigration, and his Tanner lectures on the implications of an afterlife in which humanity would cease to exist.
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Berkeley political scientist Ron E.Hassner for a discussion of his book, War on Sacred Grounds. Hassner discusses the challenges facing international relations scholars and policy makers as they address political conflict in which religion plays a central role. He emphasizes understanding religion on its own terms in order to move toward rationally addressing the religious processes at work in conflict situations. Hassner defines the essential features of sacred places and describes the factors making holy places so contentious an issue in...
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Robert A. Scalapino, the Robson Research Professor of Government Emeritus and founding Director of the Institute of East Asian Studies at U.C Berkeley. Professor Scalapino discusses Berkeley's evolution as a leading center for Asian Studies, analyzes the synergy between academic research and foreign policy, and comments on the transformation of America's relationship with Asia which he has witnessed over the course of his six decade career.
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Berkeley economist Pranab Bardhan for a discussion of his new book, Awakening Giants, Feet of Clay. Bardhan discusses his interest in poverty and inequality in the context of his intellectual odyssey. He then focuses on the myths and realities surrounding the emergence of China and India, addressing several questions including: What have these countries achieved? How did they do it? How do they compare in terms of inequality and social welfare? What are the factors that explain their reemergence as economic powerhouses? What has been the...
Conversations host Harry Kreisler welcomes Professor Peter Dale Scott for a discussion of secrecy and its consequences in the making of U.S. foreign policy. Their discussion focuses on CIA interventions, the rise of Al Qaeda, the role of U.S. government in supporting Islamic jihadists to counter Soviet power during the Cold War, and the response of the Bush administration to the 911 attack.