The Origins of Morality: How Biology and Culture Shape Us

Nearly 300 guests gathered in Caspary Auditorium at The Rockefeller University for the Parents & Science Spring Evening Program on Wednesday, April 15, 2015. Co-hosted by The Hastings Center, the event featured guest speaker Paul Bloom, Ph.D., Brooks and Suzanne Ragen Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Yale University.

Dr. Bloom presented The Origins of Morality: How Biology and Culture Shape Us, examining whether morality is an innate human capacity or a trait shaped through social learning. His talk explored how biology and experience interact to influence children’s moral development, sense of justice, and personality.

Following the presentation, Dr. Bloom was joined by Mildred Z. Solomon, Ed.D., President and CEO of The Hastings Center, and Bruce S. McEwen, Ph.D., Professor at The Rockefeller University, for a panel discussion. The evening concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session with the audience.

Speakers:
Paul Bloom, Ph.D.
Mildred Z. Solomon, Ed.D.
Bruce S. McEwen, Ph.D.
Michael Young