California State University, Fullerton

A-Z Index

News and Information
CSUF Home   »   News Front

Discussing Darwin

May 27-31 International Conference Focuses on Evolution, Human Behavior

May 22, 2009 :: No. 206

Steve Stearns

What:

Cal State Fullerton professors and scholars from all over the world will present research findings regarding evolution and human behavior during the 21st annual Meetings of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society. At least 500 attendees are expected for the five-day gathering at Cal State Fullerton.

When:

May 27-31 (no presentations scheduled on opening day)

Where:

Titan Student Union, Cal State Fullerton 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 92831

Conference Highlights:

Thursday, May 28, 6:20 p.m. — Stephen Stearns, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Yale University, will deliver the keynote address, “Are We Stuck in a Major Transition and Feeling the Pain?” He will present a hypothesis that cooperation and other aspects of human sociality represent an evolutionary transition from individual to group selection that has stalled, leading to conflict between individual and group interests that has affected cultural, historical, political and social systems.

Aaron T. Goetz

Saturday, May 30, 8 a.m. — James R. Moore, professor of the history of science, technology and medicine at the United Kingdom’s Open University, will speak on “Darwin’s Sacred Cause and the Problem of Slavery,” the title of his book. He will discuss findings, showing that underpinning Charles Darwin’s ideas of human origins was his belief that humanity’s common ancestry constituted a true brotherhood.

Who:

Cal State Fullerton faculty members Aaron T. Goetz, Bill Marelich, Ryan Nichols and Nancy L. Segal, plus students Ann Black, Michel Madruga, Giovanni Maginetti, George A. Romero and Christian M.D. von Pohle also will present their research.

Admission:

The public is welcome to attend Stearns and Moore’s talks, which are being presented free of charge in the Titan Student Union’s Portola Pavilion.

Ryan Nichols

All other sessions require registration. Cost is $100 to $250. For a complete list of presentations and to register, visit http://anthro.fullerton.edu/hbes2009.

Background:

The 21st annual Meetings of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society are interdisciplinary in nature, including scholars from psychology, anthropology, biology, economics, history, law, sociology, philosophy, the arts and other fields of study. Understanding the ways that evolution has shaped and continues to influence human behavior is the common bond underlying the society.

Organizers:

John Q. Patton, associate professor of anthropology; John Bock, professor of anthropology; and Aaron T. Goetz, assistant professor of psychology — all at Cal State Fullerton.

Nancy Segal

Media Contacts:
John Bock, Anthropology, 657-278-7578 or jbock@fullerton.edu
John Q. Patton, Anthropology, 657-278-5763 or johnpatton@fullerton.edu
Aaron T. Goetz, Psychology, 657-278-7578 or agoetz@fullerton.edu
Mimi Ko Cruz, Public Affairs, 657-278-7586 or mkocruz@fullerton.edu