Alumnus to Serve as Keynote Speaker for Philosophy and Religion Conference

The 33rd Annual Philosophy and Religion Conference will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 11 in Baldwin Hall 114. At 1:30 p.m., alumnus Mark Lambert will deliver the keynote address titled, “A Horror of Moral Beauty: Leprosy, Religion and Public Health Debates.” 

Lambert is an assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral Medicine, Medical Humanities and Bioethics at Des Moines University. Prior to joining the DMU faculty, he was a postdoctoral teaching fellow at the University of Chicago in the divinity school and the college where he taught popular courses such as “Religion and AIDS” and “Indigenous Religions, Health and Healing.” Lambert studies the historical impact of stigmatizing diseases such as leprosy (Hansen’s disease), HIV/AIDS and mental illness upon already marginalized communities. His new research considers the historical development of osteopathic medicine, especially founder A.T. Still’s knowledge and adaptation of Native American therapeutics. Lambert’s work has appeared in Religion News Service, The Conversation and “Sightings.” 

During the conference students from Truman and other universities will present original papers from a variety of topics in philosophy and religion. This event is free and open to the public. Visit phre.truman.edu and select “Philosophy and Religion Conference” for the conference schedule and more information.