Public lecture focuses on the extraordinary

A University of Queensland researcher will examine the notion Do Spirits Exist? in a free public lecture in Brisbane on Thursday, July 20.

The lecture at Mayne Hall foyer, St Lucia at 5.30pm will explore altered states of consciousness and anomalous experiences.

Dr Lynne Hume will examine what is actually happening when individuals claim to have encounters with spirits, guides, or other entities, or extraordinary experiences, and whether such people gifted or unstable.

The lecture is the fourth in a program of public lectures by Faculty of Arts researchers for UQ's new Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies, which aims to promote research culture within the arts and humanities.

Dr Hume's lecture presents an account of current research into extraordinary experiences and altered states of consciousness through an examination of a range of anecdotal experiences.

She investigates Western approaches to "spirit" and culturally defined concepts of reality, and a variety of explanations for individual experiences, from neurophysiological to personally transforming religious interpretations.

Delving into methods for entering altered states such as those used by shamans cross-culturally, Dr. Hume offers a challenging perspective on the question of alternate realities.

Lynne Hume is an anthropologist and a senior lecturer in the Department of Studies in Religion at the University of Queensland. Her current research project is a book on consciousness studies, altered states of consciousness and ritual in indigenous communities. She is the author of Witchcraft and Paganism in Australia, and many articles relating to the various topics she teaches: new religious movements, aboriginal religion, women and religion, and religion and the decorated body.

The lecture will be chaired by Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies Director Professor Graeme Turner. The lecture series is supported by the UQ Alumni Association.

Enquiries to Ms Katie Connolly, Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies
Ph. 3365 7182, Email - k.connolly@mailbox.uq.edu.au

Media: For more information, contact Dr Lynne Hume telephone 07 3365 3338; Katie Connolly 07 3365 7182 or Jan King, UQ Communications, telephone 07 3365 1120.