The VU Discussion Club continues its series of interdisciplinary conversations and invites you to its second event, this time dedicated to one of the most fundamental yet complex topics – life. The discussion will take place on the 29th of January, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, in the Aula Parva hall of Vilnius University’s Central Campus (Universiteto St. 3, Vilnius).
The discussion topic, Life, will invite participants to rethink the concept of life across different religions, shamanistic traditions, and ethnic groups. The organizers themselves propose viewing life not as a static state, but as a process whose boundaries shift depending on scientific and cultural contexts as well as historical periods. The discussion will address questions such as where life begins and whether it ever ends, how to assess forms of life that do not fit conventional definitions, and how scientific advances – such as organ transplantation – are reshaping our understanding of life. If a body is dead but its organs save others, can we speak of the continuity of life? According to the organizers, different scientific disciplines not only complement one another but sometimes inevitably collide – and it is precisely these tensions that open up space for deeper dialogue.
Perspectives on the concept of life will be presented by:
-
Dr. Rūta Morkūnienė (VU Faculty of Medicine) – on questions of human life, from newborns to organ transplantation;
-
Prof. Eglė Lastauskienė (VU Life Sciences Center) – on the boundaries of biological life;
-
Dr. Kristina Jonutytė (VU Faculty of Philosophy) – on differences in the concept of life across cultures;
-
Dr. Paulius Vaidotas Subačius (VU Faculty of Philology) – on perspectives from Christian anthropology and history.
The VU Discussion Club aims to foster an open, interdisciplinary space for engaging academic and public dialogue. What matters most here is not a final answer, but the process of thinking itself – the ability to ask questions, to doubt, and to listen to different viewpoints.
The event is open to everyone, but prior registration is required by January 27. The organizers encourage live dialogue; therefore, remote participants will not have the opportunity to ask questions in real-time. The livestream link will be sent only to registered participants.
The event will be held in Lithuanian.
Organizers’ contacts:
Ieva Šiugždaitė – Science Programme Coordinator, initiative author:
Bernadeta Kaminskaitė – Communications and Public Outreach Coordinator:
Igor Nagula – Partnerships and Logistics Coordinator:
