Past Events

On June 4, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies presented a guest lecture by Lieutenant Colonel William Casebeer, USAF.  Lt. Col. Casebeer is an intelligence analyst whose research covers neuroethics, the evolution of morality, and the intersections of cognitive science and national security policy.  His talk was entitled "The Neurobiology of Free Will: How I Learned to Love Determinism and Still Respect Myself in the Morning." In his talk, Lt. Col. Casebeer examined how we can balance our belief in free will and moral choice against the seemingly contradictory notion that human psychology can be reduced to a simple matter of neurobiology.

Read more: Lecture: "Free Will"

On May 25, 2010 The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies International Center for Terrorism Studies hosted a discussion of Prof. Yonah Alexander's book Terrorists in Our Midst (Praeger, 2010).  Terrorists in Our Midst examines the threat of foreign-affinity terrorism on US soil, at a time when recent cases including the attempted Times Square bombing, the "Jihad Jane" case, and others, suggest a growing risk of terrorist sympathizers living and plotting inside the United States.  Panelists included contributors to the book. Click below to watch a video of the event.  

Please note: The views of guest speakers are the speakers' alone and do not represent the views of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies or its staff.  The Potomac Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit research organization dedicated to the free exchange of ideas for the purpose of informing public policy.

On April 23, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies' International Center for Terrorism Studies presented a panel discussion entitled "Central Asia Strategic Outlook: Quo Vadis?"  The program addressed recent developments including the change of government in Kyrgyzstan; Kazakhstan's support for nuclear non-proliferation; and issues related to terrorism, insurgency, and Russian and Chinese roles in the region.  Click below to watch video of the event.  (Due to technical difficulties with a webcast internet connection, the video has been split into two segments. )   

Please note: The views of guest speakers are the speakers' alone and do not represent the views of the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies or its staff.  The Potomac Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit research organization dedicated to the free exchange of ideas for the purpose of informing public policy.

On May 24, from noon-1:30 pm, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies' Center for Neurotechnology Studies presented a lecture by visiting scholars Adriana Gini, MD, and Vito Antonio Amodio, MD, PhD. The program was hosted by Prof. James Giordano, PhD, director of the Center for Neurotechnology Studies. Registration is required.

Dr. Gini presented a talk entitled "Is Morality Innate?"in which she addressed the intriguing question of whether we are born with a sense of right and wrong. Recent studies in infants have shown that rudimentary moral cognition is present, and that education and culture are important elements to moderate and shape it.  Dr. Gini explored the implications of these findings, including whether this knowledge could lead us to employ neurotechnology to achieve moral enhancement/enrichment.

Read more: CNS Guest Lecture May 24