The Purpose of Life: A New Perspective on Evolution

A Conversation with Samuel Wilkinson

What is the purpose of life? Does science have any claim to this question? For generations, many have concluded that evolution implies there is no overarching purpose to our existence. Life has no fundamental meaning. We are merely the accumulation of tens of thousands of intricate molecular accidents. Some scientists take this logic one step further: “The fact of evolution is … inherently atheistic… It goes against the notion that there is a God.”

But is this true?

By integrating emerging principles from a variety of scientific disciplines—ranging from evolutionary biology to psychology—Yale Professor Samuel Wilkinson’s new book Purpose seeks to provide a framework of evolution that implies not only that there is an overarching purpose to our existence, but what this purpose is.

Join us for a conversation with Sam about his book and how he has forged a harmony between religion and science.

Samuel T. Wilkinson is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Yale Depression Research Program. He received his MD from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

His articles have been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal.

When: Sunday, April 14, 6pm

Where: Zach and Mariya’s house, 31 Vinal Avenue #3, Somerville, MA

Instructions: Bring food to share and a friend or two!