UNC Asheville Premieres New Event Series Focusing on Global Technologies

How do modern humans view themselves and the world around them? This question will be explored through a series of UNC Asheville programs focusing on how fast-growing and globally-connected technologies are changing human identity and worldview. The series, “Shaping Reality: Technology’s Impact on Culture and Perception,” is sponsored by UNC Asheville’s Office of Cultural and Special Events. Events are free unless otherwise noted.

The series will kick off with screenings of the film “What the ‘Bleep’ Do We Know?” in Karpen Hall room 012 at 2:30 p.m. on October 13 and 18 and at 4:30 p.m. on October 21 and 22. The film speculates about the relationship between consciousness and the material world. A short discussion will follow the screening.

Patrick Foo, UNC Asheville assistant professor of psychology, will present a talk on “What is Virtual Reality and How is it Changing Our Perceptions and Culture?” at 12:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18, in UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union room 224. He will discuss the exploration of computer-based design from a psychological point of view.

Barry Lopez, one of America’s preeminent nature writers, will give the series’ keynote address at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, in Lipinsky Auditorium. Lopez will share his keen interest in and observations on the natural world and will discuss the sometimes devastating effects of the intersection of science and culture. Often compared to Henry David Thoreau, Lopez’s non-fiction writing examines the relationship between human culture and physical landscape, while his fiction addresses issues of intimacy, ethics and identity. He is best known as the author of “Arctic Dreams,” for which he received the prestigious National Book Award. He is also the author of several award-winning works of fiction. General admission tickets are $8 at the door. A reception will follow the talk.

The series will continue with a talk on “The Mystery of Water and Humans” by noted theorist Masuru Emoto at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, in Lipinsky Auditorium. Author of “The Hidden Messages in Water,” Emoto’s work with water crystals was highlighted in the film “What the ‘Bleep’ Do We Know?” Tickets are on sale now. General admission tickets are $30. Seating is limited; advance purchase of tickets is strongly advised. Tickets are only available online at www.etix.com or by calling 800/514-3849.

A variety of media professionals will give a panel discussion on “Media and Perception: Then, Now and Tomorrow” at 12:20 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, in UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union room 222. Cleve Mathews, National Public Radio’s first news director and long-time New York Times reporter, will join local professional magazine writer Davis Miller and local television reporter Michelle Boudin in discussing issues surrounding the world of broadcast and print media. The discussion will be followed with a question-and-answer session moderated by Alan Hantz, UNC Asheville professor and chair of mass communication.

The series will wrap up with a talk by UNC Asheville Philosophy Department associate professors Brian Butler and Duane Davis on “Questions Concerning Technology: Dewey vs. Heidegger” at 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in UNC Asheville’s Highsmith University Union room 224. The discussion will focus on two basic schools of thought concerning the nature of reality and the evolution of global technology.

Films, intended to supplement the event series, are available for free viewing in Ramsey Library’s Media Center. These are: “Brazil,” “Existenz,” “The Matrix,” “Rashamon,” “S1m0ne,” “Wag the Dog,” “What the ‘Bleep’ Do We Know” and “Zelig.”

For more information, call UNC Asheville’s Cultural and Special Events Office at 828/251-6227.

Media Contacts:

• Bunny Halton-Subkis, UNC Asheville Cultural and Special Events Director, 828/251-6674
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526