Biosophical Institute Events

Previous Events of the Biosophical Institute

The Biosophical Institute supported the National Peace Academy Design Summit Meeting, March 2-4, 2009, as a founding circle member organization. Lou Ensel, Executive Director of the Biosophical Institute was one of the co-chairs of the summit, which was held on the campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Nearly 200 participants attended. For more details, see the National Peace Academy web site at http://www.nationalpeaceacademy.us/.

Previous discussion series at The Biosophical Institute Center

Peace Education: Why do we need it? What is it? How will it be achieved? , a series of discussions based on lectures originally given in 1955 by Dr. Frederick Kettner. The Peace Lectures were first presented at a conference of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. This discussion series was presented on seven consecutive Sundays, October 7 through November 18, 2007.

The room for improvement, a series of philosophical sessions conducted by Lois Ruskin, president of the Biosophical Institute, centered around Spinoza’s “The Improvement of the Understanding” based on the book Spinoza the Biosopher by Dr. Frederick Kettner. Each session began with a short presentation on Biosophy. (5 sessions, Fall 2006)

Previous lecture series in New York, NY

Educating for Global Peace, Spiritual and Ethical Perspectives on Peace and Justice
presented by The Peace Education Center at Teachers College, Columbia University & The Biosophical Institute

"Acting for others: spiritual dimensions of the work of Nobel peace laureates" (June 1, 2006)
Arthur Zajonc, Professor of Physics, Amherst College; Director, Academic Program of the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society.

"Islamic values and transformative nonviolence: Are they compatible?" (July 12, 2006)
Ibrahim Malik Abdil-Mu'id Ramey; Coordinator of Peace and Disarmament Program, Fellowship of Reconciliation; Board Member, Temple of Understanding and Muslim Peace Fellowship.

"One World, Many Religions: Getting Beyond Dialogue…" (September 12, 2006)
Joyce Dubensky; Director, Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding.

"Cosmopolitan Ethics and Being Peace: Exploring the Relationship Between Spirituality, Justice, and Peace" (October 19, 2006)
Dale Snauwaert; Associate Professor of Educational Theory and Social Foundations of Education; Chair of the Department of Foundations of Education, University of Toledo.

"Educating for Peace at the Level of Our Deep Humanity" (November 4, 2006)
Patricia Mische; Lloyd Professor of Peace Studies and World Law, Antioch College; Visiting Professor, School of International Service, American University; Co-founder and President Emeritus, Global Education Associates.

Co-Sponsors: Barnard Education Program; Biosophical Institute; The Center for the Contemplative Mind in Society; Fellowship of Reconciliation; Fordham University's Graduate School of Education; Global Education Associates; International Center for Tolerance Education; Peace Boat USA; Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding; Teachers College - Forum on the Role of Religion and Spirituality in Education, Office of Diversity and Community, and Office of the Vice President and Dean of the College; Temple of Understanding; The Riverside Church Mission and Social Justice Department.