Name: Skeptics in the Diner: The philosophy of Star Trek
Start: 2021-02-13T15:00:00-05:00
End: 2021-02-13T17:30:00-05:00

Join us and Massimo Pigliucci as we all watch the Star Trek, The Next Generation episode “Homeward.”

Massimo, who teaches a class on "The Philosophy of Star Trek" at City College of NY, will moderate a post-viewing discussion on the many philosophical implications of this episode.

Socializing starts at 3:00 and at 3:30 we will start watching the episode. We will share it on our Zoom session so that we can chat. However, if you prefer, you can of course watch it on your own on Netflix. The discussion with Massimo will begin at 4:20.

This is summary of the episode:

The Enterprise answers a distress call from Dr. Nikolai Rozhenko as he monitors a primitive culture on Boraal II. The planet is about to lose its atmosphere, putting the small group of survivors in jeopardy. When all efforts to stop the atmospheric catastrophe fail, Rozhenko pleads with the Enterprise’s captain to bring the Borallans on board.

This, however, conflicts with the Prime Directive, which prohibits interference with the development of other cultures, particularly primitive ones. Exposing the primitive Borallans to the advanced technology of the Enterprise risks imposing Starfleet values or ideals on them. Should the Prime Directive be strictly adhered to, letting the innocent Borallans die, or is this a special instance when it may be overlooked?

Prof. Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. He currently is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His research interests include the philosophy of science, the relationship between science and philosophy, the nature of pseudoscience, and the practical philosophy of Stoicism.

Join your fellow skeptics and critical-thinkers at our virtual dine in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. But remember: no talk of politics, religion, or global warming!

PLEASE CONTACT A MEETUP ORGANIZER IF YOU NEED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.

We hope to see you all there!

Benny Pollak

Russ Dobler

Spiro Condos

Jonathan Nelson

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