Nobel laureate Curl to present next Scientia lecture

Nobel
laureate Curl to present next Scientia lecture

Robert Curl,
University Professor and the Kenneth S. Pitzer-Schlumberger
Professor of Natural Sciences and professor of chemistry,
will discuss whether reasoning and communication capabilities
have made the human race constructive or destructive. The
lecture will take place 4 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Kyle Morrow
Room, Fondren Library.

In the abstract
for his lecture “Is Our Intelligence Impairing Our
Chances for Survival?,” Curl ventured that human capabilities
have furthered survival and expansion so much that the biggest
danger to any person is another human being. This knowledge
has been acquired since the scientific revolution, he said.

The lecture is
free and open to the public. A wine-and-cheese reception
will follow the lecture.

The theme of
the 2003-2004 program, “Fragility and Resourcefulness
— Are We Fit Enough To Survive?,” is an extension
of last year’s Scientia theme, “Evolutionary Biology
as Paradigm Science.” This year’s Scientia invites
experts to explore specific tests of human society’s
fitness and the resourcefulness of any response to these
tests.
For more information, visit the Scientia Web site at <www.ruf.rice.edu/~scientia>.