Ain't nothin' but mammals?

What does it mean to be human?

For some, we're merely advanced apes who've managed to establish ourselves as the dominant species on the planet. For others, we're sophisticated biological machines, ready to be upgraded or replaced by superior technology. Is there anything about human beings that makes us special? Do we have a soul, or are we just clumps of cells? Do we make real choices or are we just driven by our brains? Are we intrinsically valuable, or does value come from what we can contribute or produce?

Many contemporary debates from human rights, to veganism, to cloning, come down to the question of what exactly human beings are and whether we're distinct from other creatures. Join our speaker, Dr Sharon Dirckx, on the 2nd of February, as she unpacks this vital question of human identity and the questions for modern life.

About our Speaker

Sharon is a speaker and author at OCCA, the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Originally from a scientific background, she has a PhD in brain imaging from the University of Cambridge and has held research positions at the University of Oxford, UK, and the Medical College of Wisconsin, USA. She has written two popular-level books, one on the question of suffering and religious belief, 'Why? Looking at God, Evil & Personal Suffering' (IVP) and one on neuroscience, consciousness and free will, 'Am I just my brain?' (The Good Book Company). She is a regular speaker at universities, conferences and other events.

About SaltLive

Salt Live is a series of free events for curious Londoners who want to engage with matters of faith, philosophy & life. The evening will include lots of drinks and nibbles, an engaging talk from Sharon and plenty of opportunity for Q&A and discussion. All perspectives are welcome.

Each of our speaker events aims to engage with the questions of secular Londoners. Some of the events are focused on the common objections to faith (e.g. suffering, sexuality and racial prejudice). Others are focused on the universal longings of Londoners (e.g. overcoming anxiety, finding happiness and finding love). Salt is a project of Grace London, a young church based in central London.