David Hurst, Professor of Chemistry, lectured the Philosophy Club on “Philosophy and the Starry Skies.”

The presentation was offered Thursday in the planetarium in the Cimmarusti Science building.

Budding philosophers reclined on movable seats to watch the stars projected on the 30-foot dome by 17 computers and six projectors.

The phases of the moon, the seemingly aberrant movement of the planets, and solar and lunar eclipses were explained both in terms of science and Aristotelian philosophy.

“We share the same sky with Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates,” said Hurst, alluding to his philosophical construct that the time frame of space trivializes the human lifespan.

Additionally, new photographs sent by the Hubble Space Craft were presented and the possibility of life in outer space was discussed.
The Philosophy Club, led by President Rachel Melikian and Faculty Adviser Steve Bie, meets Thursdays in AD 223 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. For more information, contact Bie at ext. 3028.