Prof. Madhav Gadgil, D. D. Kosambi Visiting Research Professor in Interdisciplinary Studies at Goa University will be delivering a series of talks on "Ecology, evolution and moulding of humanity" between 4 - 5 pm from Feb. 25 - March 6, 2014 & April 1 - 8, 2014.
Members of public can also join the course and regular attendees will be given a participation certificate. No course fee will be charged. Overview: The course is a sketch on how the play of evolution of life on the ecological theatre of the earth has led to the emergence of human beings with a rich symbolic language that has permitted elaboration of knowledge, and fabrication of a wide range of artefacts. Humans, like other animals are intensely selfish, still their sociality is grounded in relationships of mutual aid. The interplay of these forces has shaped the course of human history, landing us in the present environmental and social predicament. Yet, there are grounds for visualizing a very happy resolution of this predicament in the decades to come. Course Prerequisites: No background in science is necessary. All that is required is a strong desire to understand contemporary social and environmental issues. Lecture # Date Topic 1 Tue Feb 25, 2014 Evolution and emergence of complexity 2 Wed Feb 26, 2014 Selfishness, cooperation and altruism 3 Thu Feb 27, 2014 Language, knowledge, science and technology 4 Fri Feb 28, 2014 On the evolution of boundless greed and courage 5 Mon Mar 3, 2014 Mutual aid as the foundation of human sociality 6 Tue Mar 4, 2014 Ecosystem people, omnivores and ecological refugees 7 Wed Mar 5, 2014 Worshiping and nurturing nature 8 Thu Mar 6, 2014 Genes, memes and artifacts 9 Tue Apr 1, 2014 Peopling of India 10 Wed Apr 2, 2014 How Europeans have come to overwhelm the earth 11 Thu Apr 3, 2014 On the evolution of a predatory state 12 Fri Apr 4, 2014 Rent seeking and the abuse of natural resources 13 Mon Apr 7, 2014 In pursuit of Gross National Happiness 14 Tue Apr 8, 2014 An incorrigible optimist's vision of the future Deadline for applications is February 15, 2014. Please register at http://goo.gl/3Eg1pz -- FN Phone +91-832-2409490 Mobile +91-9822122436 Blog: http://goabooks.wordpress.com
