Lectures and special events from the Williams College campus in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
Justin Shaddock, Williams College Philosophy Prof., discusses Kant’s theoretical philosophy & moral theory. Kant refers to happiness as a problem, a problem imposed upon us by human nature itself. But are happiness and morality fundamentally opposed?
Associate Professor of Mathematics Ralph Morrison explains Bézout’s Theorem, which counts the intersection points of two algebraic curves. He demonstrates see how this theorem has manifested in different ways throughout the centuries, including most recently in the world of tropical geometry.
Bob Rawle, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Williams College, discusses how viruses operate at a biophysical and biochemical level: how they know which cells to infect, how do they “take over” a cell and force it to make more viral particles, and why some viruses cause global pandemics, but others don't.
Associate Professor of Chinese at Williams College Man He explains the artistic maturity, sophistication in production, and canonical status of Chinese huaju theatre.
Ethnomusicologist and Associate Professor of music at Williams College Corinna Campbell shares her perspective on the Suriname Maroon dance genre awasa; an intensely interactive, conversational form of expression.
