Arts and Science collide in UCalgary seminar series

The first historical physicists were also some of the most well-known philosophers of their time, a connection that has weakened over the years. An upcoming seminar series organized by a passionate undergraduate student seeks to change that.

Michaela Husak Gilks, a final year student of a combined degree, is preparing a seminar series about the intersection between physics and philosophy, for anyone to attend.

Mind & Matter is an eight-week interdisciplinary seminar designed to present hot topics in physics and philosophy accessibility for people from all backgrounds.

Speakers will explore topics such as atoms and quantum physics, how to combat the spread of misinformation, and the practical importance of interdisciplinary studies.

“Physics and philosophy share the same core, just spoken in a different language,” she says. “You look at any famous physicist or philosopher, going back to ancient Greece, Persia, the Renaissance, they really were one and the same. 

“It just shows that when you get far enough into philosophy, you’re required to have some of the scientific background. And as you progress in the sciences, you start having to interact with philosophy.”

Husak Gilks is doing exactly that, her combined degree at UCalgary is a BSc Honours in physics, Faculty of Science, and a BA Honours in philosophy, Faculty of Arts. She wants to become a neurophysicist after she graduates, investigating the treatment and understanding of mood disorders.

National physics conference 

It’s not the first time Husak Gilks been involved in a UCalgary event.

Earlier this year, she was the chairperson for the 12^th annual Canadian Conference for Undergraduate Women and Gender Minorities in Physics, which was supported by 45 sponsors and many student volunteers from the Department of Physics and Astronomy. 

The national conference included plenary lectures, a tour of the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, and an industry and graduate school fair, alongside many other social and academic events.

Husak Gilks got the idea for her upcoming seminar series after hosting a Philosophy booth at the conference.

“The attendees loved it,” she says. “The professors running the booth said they had fantastic conversations with the students. 

“My peers in philosophy courses are often enamored by concepts in physics, and vice versa. I would like to provide an opportunity for students and faculty in both fields to engage with topics they’re interested in, but don't feel as though they have ample access to.”

Mind & Matter begins Thursday, Oct. 2^nd from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.