LUNÄ Talk: Deep Evolution

The Lunar Society of Birmingham was founded in 1765 and was a society of scholars, amateur scientists, poets, industrialists and artists. Among the founding members were Erasmus Darwin (grandfather of Charles), James Watt (steam engine), Joseph Priestley (oxygen) and Josiah Wedgwood (porcelain). They gathered at full moon (in connection with the return journey in the dark) and discussed science, art, philosophy, politics and commerce. They were inspiring meetings on how science, technology and art could serve society, social change included. All this on the eve of the Industrial Revolution. In 1813, the Lunar Society ceased to exist.

The second LUNÄ Talk takes place at ASTRON  (Dutch Institute for Radio Astronomy) and revives the tradition of the Lunar Men by inviting several specialised and interesting guests at the table. On the table lies the question of how science, philosophy and religion relate to each other, focusing on topics such as ‘deep evolution’, the (re)writing of history and speculative future developments in astronomy, anthropology, philosophy and religion.

Among the guests are Professor Michael Garrett, General Director & Scientific Director ASTRON and Professor in Radio Astronomy at Leiden University (his research covers a wide range of astrophysical topics, including SETI – search for extraterrestrial intelligence), Professor Anthropology Peter Pels, Leiden University (coordinates the research project: The future is elsewhere), visual artist Daniela de Paulis (artist in residence at the Dwingeloo radio telescope and member of the international SETI committee) and philosopher of religion and theologian Taede A. Smedes (writes about the interaction of science and religion). Host of the LUNÄ Talk is Marjolijn Dijkman.

The LUNÄ TALKS in Drenthe are organised within the framework of the artistic research of Marjolijn Dijkman for The Ultraperipheric.

This second LUNÄ Talk takes place at ASTRON and starts at 16.00 hrs.
Please be welcome to join the conversation! Language is English.

 After the conversation, around 18.00, you are invited to continue the discussion during a joint dinner.

Extra: Before the LUNÄ Talk from 14.45 till 15.45 you can visit the Dwingeloo telescope. People from CAMRAS are present to give you a demonstration and more information about the monument.The telescope is located next to the ASTRON Institute.

Reservation: due to limited seats (max. 25) please reserve a place at: info@landartcontemporary.nl.

(Please let us know if you’re interested in visiting the Dwingeloo Telecope before the LUNÄ Talk).