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READING RECOMMENDATIONS

Science & Spirituality #1

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Jules-Evans-The-Weekend-University

Stoicism, Buddhism & Psychotherapy

Jules Evans
Oliver-Robinson-The-Weekend-University

The Complex Harmonies of Science & Spirituality

Dr Oliver Robinson
Susan-Blackmore-The-Weekend-University

The Science of Out of Body Experiences

Susan Blackmore
Science & Spirituality

A full day of talks exploring the science and psychology of spirituality.

Have you ever felt you went beyond your ordinary self and felt connected to something bigger than you? In a 2016 UK survey, over 84% of respondents (including atheists, agnostics, Christians, and Buddhists) said yes to this question. Maybe part of our curiosity to understand more about how the Universe functions and constantly explore science stems from a deep, innate connection we feel with the ‘Whole’. For as long as humankind has existed, this curiosity to know the unknown has also existed. That is probably what prompts millions of people around the world to ask questions, seek answers, write, read, explore both science and spirituality. It is possible that there exist thousands of pages online, like Hill Wilson Star Map, and thousands of material offline, that constantly try to answer some of the most interesting and thought-provoking questions about the Universe and our place in it. So what’s going on? In this series of talks, we’ll explore the science and psychology of spirituality. We’ll put spiritual ideas to the test of psychological research, and discuss whether science really can offer solutions to some of life’s greatest mysteries.

Content

You’ll learn:
  • The surprising links between the ancient practices of Buddhism and Stoicism, and modern psychotherapy
  • The complex harmonies of science and spirituality; how they complement each other and relate to the key transitional challenges that define our era
  • The amazing science of out-of-body experiences; whether anything really does leave the body during OBEs, and the profound effects this has on our sense of ‘Self’.
This is an event for anyone who suspects, that in our rapid drive towards secularisation, we might be leaving something valuable behind.

Event Schedule:

The format will be similar to a TED event, but with in-depth lectures and focused on the science and psychology of spirituality.
  • 10:00am – 12:00pm: Session 1
  • 12:00 – 1:00pm: Lunch break
  • 1:00pm – 3:00pm: Session 2
  • 3:00pm – 3:15pm: Afternoon break
  • 3:15pm – 5:00pm: Session 3

Lectures & Speakers

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The Science of Out of Body Experiences

In an out-of-body experience (OBE), people feel as though they have left their physical body and can see the world from outside it. What are these experiences, and are they spiritual? As a 19 year-old psychology student, Susan Blackmore had an extraordinarily powerful OBE that lasted for hours and culminated in a mystical experience of transformation and oneness.

Her determination to understand what had happened led Susan to becoming a parapsychologist – a profession she later gave up, zen training, and decades of research into the nature of mind and consciousness. In this talk, Susan will explore the surprising science of out-of-body experiences, whether anything really leaves the body during an OBE, and their profound effect on our sense of self.

Susan-Blackmore-The-Weekend-University
Susan Blackmore

The Science of Out of Body Experiences

Sue Blackmore is a psychologist, lecturer and writer researching consciousness, memes, and anomalous experiences, and a Visiting Professor at the University of Plymouth. She is a TED lecturer, blogs for the Guardian, and often appears on radio and television. The Meme Machine (1999) has been translated into 16 other languages; more recent books include Conversations on Consciousness (2005), Zen and the Art of Consciousness (2011), Seeing Myself: The new science of out-of-body experiences (2017) and a textbook Consciousness: An Introduction (3rd Ed 2018).

Reading Recommendations:

The Complex Harmonies of Science & Spirituality

Despite the dominance of science and technology as forces that shape our lives, and the decline in religious attendance and affiliation in many Western countries, spirituality is becoming increasingly popular. Why is it that “spirituality-beyond-religion” is thriving in our time of science?

This talk presents an answer; it argues that science and spirituality have both separated from institutionalised religion over the modern era, to become independent yet overlapping domains of enquiry. The relationship between science and spirituality can be conceived dialectically via seven polarities. To embrace these polarities, and thus to integrate science and spirituality, brings about a “complex harmony” of head and heart, that is the basis for wisdom.

Oliver-Robinson-The-Weekend-University
Dr Oliver Robinson

The Complex Harmonies of Science & Spirituality

Dr Oliver Robinson is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Greenwich, and the course coordinator for Adult Development and Mental Health. His research focuses on how identity, wellbeing and mental health are affected by major life transitions, crises and ageing processes during adulthood. Dr Robinson’s work has gained attention from the New Scientist, The Guardian, BBC Radio 4, The Telegraph and The Times.

Reading Recommendations:

Stoicism, Buddhism & Psychotherapy

If you go to a therapist with an emotional disorder today, you’re likely to be offered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and mindfulness-therapy, which were inspired by the ancient philosophies of Stoicism and Buddhism.

What ideas and practices have modern psychotherapy taken from these ancient philosophies, and what has been left behind? What can empirical science measure, and what important aspects of spirituality cannot be quantified and measured?

In this talk, Jules Evans will explore how scientific data can support us on our spiritual paths, but how we still ultimately need some faith and a willingness to abide in uncertainty.

Jules-Evans-The-Weekend-University
Jules Evans

Stoicism, Buddhism & Psychotherapy

Jules Evans is Policy Director at the Centre for the History of Emotions at Queen Mary, University of London and a leading researcher into ecstatic experience. He also runs the world’s biggest philosophy club, the London Philosophy Club, which has over 6,000 members. Jules’ first book, Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations was published in 19 countries and was selected by Matthew Syed as a Times Book of the Year. He has written for The Times, Financial Times, Guardian, Spectator and WIRED and is a BBC New Generation Thinker.

Reading Recommendations:

What TWU students are saying

attendee testimonals

I have attended 7 weekend University days and now I do not want to miss one because they have all been fantastic and worth dragging myself away from my lie in on a Sunday for. Each of the sessions I have attended have had excellent speakers talking about fascinating areas of Psychology. Having previously studied psychology I really enjoy delving back into the world of attending lectures and absorbing information again without the stress of exams or essays. But even if you have no psychology background I recommend coming to these events, especially if you see a topic you like you will not regret it! Niall not only organises these amazing event days but also now we have access to podcasts and he takes the time to organise a social after the event to meet fellow psychology enthusiasts as well as provide clear and easy instructions on how to get there, a certificate to say you attended the event and even lunch place suggestions which are little added extras which make the whole experience great. I am very glad to have the weekend university in my life and thank Niall and the team for making this happen.
Hannah Alice Howell
Event Attendee
The Weekend University is amazing! They recently hosted the Holistic Change Summit where such great minds were brought together to discuss a wide variety of topics relevant to change, growth and living a meaningful life. The facilitator, Niall, asked excellent questions which really gave the speaker the chance to discuss ideas that many of us wonder about. It was brilliant and I loved it.
Kiden Shae
Summit Attendee
Extremely stimulating events! It brings together great professionals who share their experience in their respective fields to pass their knowledge in a way accessible to the general public and other professionals alike. It is a great way to bring motivated people in the same place! Also, Niall is extremely thoughtful, considerate and driven person. His personal approach and professionalism in making those events happen does not go unnoticed!
Nikolay Petrov
Event Attendee
The most fantastic resource. Have been to a few of The Weekend University days - an incredible initiative bringing all that knowledge down from its Ivory Tower to an accessible and inviting platform - 10/10
Charlie Fooks
Event Attendee
Absolutely excellent day with The Weekend University last Saturday on Attachment and Psychotherapy. Superb speaker who was totally engaging, really useful practical insights, and great organisation. Thank you!
Helen Jane
Event Attendee
I attended an Existential Coaching seminar out of curiosity and ended up being supermotivated and serious to get more into this subject! The event was really went organised, the venue was central and easy to find and the organisers and facilitator were amazing. Totally recomend!
Fiora Maya Touliatou
Seminar Attendee
My first time at the Weekend University on their day of Wellbeing a fantastic event. Excellent venue, thought provoking speakers, interesting topics, really well organised, communication, support material a 5 star rating.
Viryapushpa Nolan
Event Attendee
I attended 'A Day on Sleep and Dreams’ and it was fantastic - excellent speakers and thought provoking content. The Weekend University has been a great discovery and I will defiantly be attending more lectures. The event was really well organised by Niall - informative emails, follow ups etc. I recommend that everyone takes the opportunity to go, you won’t be disappointed!
Hannah Durhager
Event Attendee
This event is nourishment for my mind! The kind of subjects usually reserved for academics is now open to us all and the information is delivered in a way that anyone can understand. The audience was filled with interesting people, hungry to learn and engage in fascinating conversations. We had all day to connect, to learn and to share. Just like a delicious cool drink on a very hot day, my mind felt quenched! Thank you, Niall, for creating this. I will be back!
David Saville
Event Attendee

Tickets

Full Day Pass: £43.71

(includes VAT + Booking Fee)

Student/Unwaged: £22.51

(includes VAT + Booking Fee)

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Date and time

30/09/2018

09:30 – 17:00 BST

Venue

Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX

Money back guarantee

The Weekend University guarantees an excellent learning experience. If you are not fully satisfied with the day, you will receive 100% of your money back – with no questions asked. Simply contact us on support@theweekenduniversity.com to arrange your refund.

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Date and time

30/09/2018

09:30 – 17:00 BST

Location

Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HX

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TWU Guarantee

The Weekend University seeks to guarantee an excellent learning experience.

If you are not fully satisfied with the day, you will receive 100% of your money back – with no questions asked. Simply contact us on support@theweekenduniversity.com to arrange your refund.

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