Events/Courses - Event View

Consciousness is experienced by virtually every person on earth. But, what is it really? Is it mindfulness, awareness, problem-solving, thinking or something else? How does it arise in us? How does it shape the ways in which we perceive the world and ourselves? How are those perceptions altered by sleep, drugs, hypnosis, meditation and prayer, exercise, and many other factors? And are we the only species that is actually conscious? If not, what might we share with other beings? Answers are still being found in contemporary research and some might surprise you. We will consider various explanations of the nature of conscious experience, ranging from the philosophy of the ancient Greeks to modern day brain studies that use the most sophisticated technology.

Instructor Joel Shapiro, Ed.D. retired as Chair and full professor of education and psychology from Green Mountain College, Poultney, VT. He won a Fulbright Scholarship to teach at the University of Presov, Slovak Republic and wrote a book for college professors on ways to integrate international students successfully into the American classroom. Additionally, he wrote numerous articles for American and European professional journals and lectured at universities and conferences throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has won teaching awards at several colleges. Prior to beginning his academic career, he was a schoolpsychologist working with children who have special needs. He earned his B.A. from Colgate University, his M.A. from Temple University, and his Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University.