next programme: seminar series on the question of IDENTITY

“An Introduction to the Question of Identity”

Paper presentation by

Mr. K. K. Baburaj
(Eminent thinker & dalit activist)

Date: 2 pm, Saturday, 15 August 2009
Venue: Pennamma Bhavanam (Amalloor Road, Manjadi, Tiruvalla)

The question of identity is a continuing debate in social theory and in the realm of political activism. The subaltern groups have been raising this question for the last two decades. The identity politics raised by the marginalised groups, especially the dalits in India, affirmed their standpoint as the politics of difference against the claims of modernity that a universal, homogenous common identity is possible. It was pointed out that the universality of a human identity presupposes the white male european identity which obliterates the possibilities for other identities and world views. However, a criticism raised against the identity politics (from different vantagepoints) is that it is sectarian and essentialist. The paper will present the history of the identity politics, divulging out the richness and diversity of the debate.

All are Welcome

Discussion based on the Book 'prapanchakkazhchakal" by Dr Moncy V. John

Science and Society: Philosophical and Theological Perspectives

Book Review Forum

Discussion on modern science based on the book, Prapanchakkazhchakal, authored by Dr Moncy V. John (Dept. of Physics, St Thomas College, Kozhencherry).

2.30 pm, Saturday, 14 February 2009,

at Pennamma Bhavanam

The Book, Prapanchakkazhchakal (2008, DC Books, Kottayam, pp.138, Rs. 70.00)discusses the history of and contemporary debates in Astronomy. The book also deals with the philosophy and sociology of modern science and introduces the poststructuralist/post-foundationalist trends in science studies. The book seems to be the first of its kind in Malayalam that introduces the sociology of scientific knowledge, the post-Kuhnian revolution in understanding the complex relationship between science and society.

The discussion attempted to situate modern science in sociological context and its philosophical moorings were explored. The forum raised the need to develop a theological understanding of modern science and technology. Social scientists, Theologians and Scientists participated in the discussion.

On the Dias: Dr Moncy V. John, Prof. Philip N. Thomas (moderator), Shiju Sam Varughese

Dr. Moncy V. John (Author)

Shiju Sam Varughese presenting the book review. In his talk he situated the book as a turning point in the history of popular science writing in Kerala and discussed the possibilities and limitations of the Kuhnian framework adopted by the author.

Dr Moncy V. John responds to the paper presented by Shiju

The audience

Prof. Rachel Mathew (CMS College, Kottayam) participating in the discussion

Rev Sam Koshy and Mr. Mathew Philip

The Discussion followed by the presentations raised many serious questions regarding the relationship between modern science and society. The question of science and religion/spirituality also was discussed in detail.

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The forum decided to continue the discussions on science and society in future also.