Dr. Hruby has a passionate conviction that stimulating dialogue to break
down barriers between science and religion is essential for the survival of
the University and perhaps of society and the human species. This conviction
impassions his life's work of human behaviors, including volitional behaviors
that are thought to be anti-social or evil.
Why, despite all we know and all we profess, do we behave so badly? This
question frames the basis for the project's course, and a campus-wide
conference on the topic. The scientific discoveries in the chemistry and
biology of life have made it increasingly possible to change the very essence
of life, including what it means to be human and our ability to potentially
change how humans behave. Hormones and neurotransmitters are primary chemical
modulators of behavior, and are the target for perhaps as many as 50% of all
current drugs. Thus, the examination of scientific and ethical questions
related to efforts to modify human behavior will be explored, examining
ethical, religious and philosophical issues which modern science poses as it
finds ways to moderate and modulate human behavior. Faculty will be chosen
from a variety of disciplines. An important goal is to make this project
available to anyone who may be interested; Dr. Hruby sees the openness and
idealism of the bright young people on campus as great potential for the
beginnings of the dialogue, and the acceptance and understanding required to
continue it.