Great Tide Rising: Toward Clarity and Moral Courage in a Time of Climate Change
Kathleen Dean Moore, Ph.D., Author, Environmental Advocate
Why is climate change an issue of compassion? Climate change may be an economic and technological problem. But fundamentally, it is a moral problem, and it calls for a moral response. Kathleen Dean Moore takes on the essential questions: Why is it wrong to wreck the planet? What is our obligation to the future? What is the transformative power of moral resolve? How can clear thinking stand against the lies and illogic that batter the chances for positive change? And always this: What stories and ideas will lift people who deeply care, inspiring them to move forward with clarity and moral courage?
Includes a panel discussion (at 1:00:09) with Tracey Osborne, Ph.D, University of Arizona, Terrol Dew Johnson, Tohono O'odham Community Action, and Alison Hawthorne Deming, MFA, University of Arizona moderated by Michael Gill, Ph.D, University of Arizona
A Conversation on Compassion: Tibetan Buddhism and Western Science
Lobsang Rapgay, Ph.D, University of California, Los Angeles, Charles Raison, M.D., and Chris Impey, Ph.D., College of Science, University of Arizona
A former Tibetan Buddhist monk, a psychiatrist and an astrophysicist answer questions about science and compassion, and what the ancient teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and Western science can offer each other to support the development of solutions to human created problems.
The Social Neuroscience of Empathy and Compassion
Al Kaszniak, Prof. Emeritus, Department of Psychology
Historically, science has had relatively little to say about empathy and compassion. Recently, however, the new area of investigation known as social neuroscience has brought together approaches from social and cultural psychology, neuroscience, and emotion science to study brain processes related to empathy and compassion. Al Kaszniak, Professor Emeritus, Department of Psychology examines how empathy and compassion differ, what has been learned from the study of other animal species, and how such approaches as human functional brain imaging have contributed to new understandings. Also included is an exploration of recent research on compassion in both long-term and short-term meditation practitioners.
How Altruistic Should We Be?
Michael Gill, Director, Department of Philosophy
Some people in the world today lack the resources to live a fully decent human life, while others have more than enough for plentiful non-essential luxuries. Michael Gill, Director, Department of Philosophy asks about the extent to which the well off are morally obligated to help the poor. Is there a limit to how much one should be expected to give, or does virtue require (what has recently been called) “extreme altruism”? Dr. Gill discusses a recent best-selling book on this subject called Strangers Drowning: Grappling with Impossible Idealism, Drastic Choices, and the Overpowering Urge to Help. Is there a limit to how much one should be expected to give, or does virtue require “extreme altruism”? Explore what it means to be compassionate in considering the needs of all in this compelling conversation.
Climate, Environment and Compassion
Gregg Garfin, Deputy Director, Institute of the Environment
How do the power and possibilities of compassion intersect with climate and environmental change? In a time when species are threatened with extinction, and our global climate and environment is changing at such a rapid pace, cultivating compassion within ourselves, and applying a compassionate attitude may help us to understand and protect the living world.
Can Compassion and Capitalism Exist Together?
Alok Appadurai, Co-Founder, Fed By Threads
What does compassionate entrepreneurism look like? As consumers, how can our choices be an expression of compassion? Take a closer look at how one local entrepreneur is setting out to change the clothing industry, and feed hungry Americans through an inspiring business model that will change the way you think about 'eco-fashion'. Alok Appadurai, co-owner of sustainable clothing boutique Fed By Threads in downtown Tucson, presents this exciting conversation.
Compassion Training as a Path to Genuine Happiness
How can the cultivation of compassion benefit our health? Watch our founding Director, Charles Raison, M.D., deliver this compelling talk on Cognitively Based Compassion Training.