The Padua Freedom Lectures returns to the University of Padua in celebration of its 800th anniversary by underlining libertas as its founding value.
The Padua Freedom Lecture Series invites Italian and international guests who are dedicated to the ideas of freedom, and for which is deeply ingrained in the spirit of the University of Padua, to be the heart of its motto “Universa Universis Patavina Libertas“.
On Friday, October 29, the Padua Freedom Lecture welcomes Elena Cattaneo, who became a tenured member of the Italian Senate in 2013. An Italian biologist and pharmacologist, her meeting focuses on the value of freedom in science. Understood both in the absence of constraints and coercions, Cattaneo discusses the possibility of conducting pure scientific investigation that is free from specific objectives or targets of an investigation. Progress, technique, and ethics are a reflection of her latest book, Armati di scienza.
Opening remarks are offered by University of Padua Rector Daniela Mapelli, followed by a lecture by Cattaneo that includes observations found in her book Armati di scienza (Armed with Science), which uncovers the double side of those who possess the tools of science. Some use science to improve human life and society by encouraging others to embrace science and those who use science as a weapon to defend themselves from errors and superficiality.
A position of reasoning and reflections continue with words by former University Rector Rosario Rizzuto. Actively involve the public arena, Rizzuto retraces the key moments in history and scientific research that demonstrate how much the scientific method has continued to offer new meanings to our knowledge by constituting a special “mobile” point of reference over the past 400 years.
The meeting is broadcast live on the University of Padua YouTube channel, starting at 17:00.