Current Series: Playing God
Tuesday, April 8 at 7pm
The Gladstone Theatre
Crime and Punishment adapted by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus from the novel by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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The "Common Good" and the "Social Contract". Defining what's "good" and who gets to decide. Where do we get morality from and is it subjective? When does idealism and "well-meaning" go too far? You say 'utopia', I say 'dystopia'.
With special guest Arkadi Klioutchanski, a professor at the University of Ottawa where he has been teaching various courses on Russian language and culture since 2005. His professional interests include the 19th century Russian literature and its greatest writers such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy. Most of the cultural courses he teaches include reading and discussion of "Crime and Punishment".
Wednesday, June 25 at 7pm
Parkdale United Church​
​Frankenstein A.I. an original work written by George Dutch, based on the novel by Mary Shelley, and developed by 9th Hour Theatre Company
Is artificial intelligence a friend or foe, helper or hazard? In who's "image" is it made? How do we define what is intelligent and what is artificial? Will AI replace human jobs or free humanity from burdens? Can ethics and morality be programmed? What are the tensions that exist between a Creator and the created? What does it mean to be human in the face of rapid technological evolution?
With special guest William Stewart (PhD in Computer Science). William has developed and managed large computing centres. Most recently, he has delivered more than 330 on-site project management courses to more than 4,000 people. He grew up all over the world on military bases and now lives in Ottawa with his wife and two children. For a full list of his interests and publications, visit his website.
Friday September 12 at 7pm
Cardus Ottawa (Rideau St.)
​​​The God Committee by Mark St. Germain (Freud's Last Session)
Medicine, Money, and Morality clash when the Heart Transplant Selection Committee of St. Patrick’s Hospital has only minutes to decide which of three patients will receive a heart that has suddenly become available.
What makes a life have value and who gets to decide? What role does suffering play in life? Where does individual autonomy come in? What is the relationship between Life and Death? When does life begin and end?
What is Gleanings?
The first half of the evening is a dramatic play reading or other performance by professional artists. After a brief intermission, the second half of the evening is a facilitated discussion with some of the artists and special guests to get the conversation going before the audience is welcome to participate or simply observe. The discussion will have a high emphasis on listening to and learning from other points of view in order to 'glean' richer and deeper understanding about complex issues and ideas. It's a forum for intellectually curious people who enjoy meaningful nuanced discussion.
Participants in the Gleanings forum come open minded to "glean" wisdom and knowledge from the perspectives and experiences of others in order to develop a richer understanding of a subject and greater respect for those who might see things differently. It's about creating space for conversation that considers many ideas and perspectives, rather than a binary debate with a clear outcome. It's about the questions asked, often leading to even more questions and conversation.​
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​Consider applying to become a Gleanings Facilitator or Contributor.