The contemplative practices from old traditions are powerful and can lead to good, argued Dr. Bradley Park ‘94 as he delivered the annual Kenneth Mark Drain Chair in Ethics lecture on March 16, 2015 in the Bata Library Film Theatre.
It was appropriate that a Trent alumnus should be the guest lecturer the year that Trent University celebrates its 50th anniversary, observed Dr. Kathryn Norlock, the Kenneth Mark Drain Chair in Ethics. Dr. Park, who is currently an associate professor of philosophy at St. Mary’s College in Maryland, received his Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Trent in 1996.
Speaking of his time at Trent, Dr. Park said “I knew I was getting a good education when I came here, but it wasn’t until grad school that I had a different context to place this education in and I realized how great it was.”
Dr. Park’s lecture, "Open & Mindful: The Deference of Consciousness and the Dawn of Moral Comportment," drew upon the writings of noted philosophers and touched on Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. It was followed by an engaging discussion with the students, faculty, and community members who filled the theatre.
Rebecca Martin, a Trent graduate student pursuing a Masters degree in psychology, attended to get a philosophical perspective on her research dealing with self-compassion, of which mindfulness is a component.
“Dr. Park’s lecture has made me see mindfulness as an experience that is lived in the moment, which may help people to develop a healthier pattern, viewing setbacks in a healthy way,” said Ms. Martin, who was pleased to see a Trent alumnus deliver the lecture. “It gives me courage and hope that I can go on and do something great from my education at Trent,” she added.
Dr. Park commented that opening lectures to the public, like this one, are an important service for Trent to offer the community. “It helps to break down that ‘town and gown’ dichotomy that you can get otherwise, where it becomes too insular for the larger community.”
Ms. Martin agreed, saying “Having presentations open to the public means that education is more accessible.”
The Kenneth Mark Drain Chair in Ethics was established in 2010 by members of the Drain and Patterson families in honour of Kenneth Drain, described as “a quintessential son of Peterborough.” Having lived and worked in Peterborough County all his life, Kenneth Drain was an exemplary volunteer and lived a life of quiet deeds.
Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2015.