What Makes Us Human?

This session will explore a simple but difficult question: are we born human, or do we become human? One possible answer is that human nature is something we possess from birth, independently of how we develop. Another is that we become human through the acquisition of certain cognitive, social, and emotional capacities. The tragic but fascinating cases of children who grew up without sufficient human contact invite us to reflect on just how fragile some of the traits we take to be most distinctively human—for example language—really are.

Entrance is free, light refreshments are provided, and all are welcome.