The series examines different topics, primarily from the humanities perspective. The ideas and topics, led by BT天堂faculty, come from different disciplines and are brought to light and viewed from different angles in discussions among participants.

“The ‘Exploring Our World’ series is an exciting outreach project for BT天堂to connect with the residents of Conway and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Maurice A. Lee, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “The topics are designed to engage the mind and ignite discussion amongst all participants. It is our hope that this series of lectures, seminars and workshops will be a way for BT天堂to engage the community in intellectual conversations with each another.”

The series kicks off with Conway鈥檚 Creative Approach to Battling Obesity Through Active Infrastructure Projects and Programs, scheduled for April 5, at 6 p.m.聽at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center. 聽Dr. Duston Morris, assistant faculty in the Department of Health Sciences and founder of 3 Sport Fitness, will provide information on current projects that are underway to stimulate physical activity through the utilization of active infrastructure.聽 Morris will lead discussions on the impact of active infrastructure on healthy lifestyle characteristics, developing active infrastructure plans, and how to promote that infrastructure to Conway residents.

Other scheduled lectures for this spring include: Persons in the World: Perspectives on Human Ecology, April 17 at 7 p.m.; East and West; Women in the World: Pornography,聽 Abuse and Sexualization of Young Girls, May 1 at 7 p.m.; and Ain鈥檛 I a Man: If I Act Like a Women and Think Like a Man?, to be announced.聽 All lectures will be held in the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center.

The 聽Exploring Our World Series聽is free and open to the public. For more information, visit uca.edu/world or call (501) 450 – 5261. Participants are advised to sign up early.

The lecture explores the possibility of artificial intelligence and what it reveals about the human mind. 鈥淭he topic of artificial intelligence brings up a variety of intriguing philosophical issues that we are excited to share and discuss with others in the community,鈥� says Dr. Jesse Butler, BT天堂Assistant Professor of Philosophy.

During this two-hour public lecture, Dr. Butler will engage participants in discussions relating to robot machines and the potential consequences relating to human life, emerging developments in science and technology and the notion that the human brain is a biological machine influenced by genetics and social influences. 鈥淔uture technological possibilities are fascinating, no doubt, but artificial intelligence may also offer some lessons in humanity as well,鈥� says Butler.

Dr. Butler holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma and specializes in the areas of: philosophy of the mind, epistemology and philosophy of language. Butler鈥檚 current research interests include consciousness, perception, and introspection and self-knowledge.

As part of the Exploring Our World series, Mind and Machines: Artificial Intelligence is open to the general public at no cost. More information can be found at: uca.edu/outreach/world or call 501.450.5261.

BT天堂Shares Knowledge of China鈥檚 Economic Miracle

CONWAY, 聽Ark. (Oct. 3)– Contrary to many Americans鈥� belief, China follows America in the world economy. In an attempt to broaden the understanding of China鈥檚 economy, the University of Central Arkansas and the College of Liberal Arts invite the general public to attend a lecture on “Understanding China: Beyond the Economic Miracle of the Past 20 Years.”

The lecture is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the campus of the University of Central Arkansas.

Dr. Jeff Allender, an assistant professor of Geography, and Dr. Roger Pauly, an associate professor of History, will discuss the impact of China鈥檚 economic advancement, the differences between Chinese and Western cultures, China鈥檚 international relations, and future relations with the U.S.

Understanding China is a continuation of聽 鈥淓xploring Our World,” a series of public lectures, seminars and workshops conducted by the College of Liberal Arts. The series examines different topics, primarily from the humanities perspective and are led by BT天堂faculty. Future lectures include “Mind and Machines: Artificial Intelligence and Sustainability Theory and Practice.”

The Understanding China lecture and all other events in the series are open to the public at no charge. Participants are advised to register early聽at uca.edu/outreach. For more information, contact Dr. Jeff Allender at (501)450-5641 or

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