The presentation offered the counter argument with ample illustrated proof that the Islamic astronomical tradition was mostly a rebellion against the Greek tradition, rather than a preservation of it as we are often told. By its very rebellion, the Islamic tradition offered the theoretical mathematical foundation, upon which the later European astronomy of the Renaissance was eventually based.
In his lecture, Dr. El-Baz presented the success story of the NASA Apollo program and human attempts to step on Mars. He spoke about future challenges in the field of science and astronomy, and explained the similarities and differences between the Moon on one hand and Mars and the Earth on the other. He also elaborated on Arab and Islamic contributions in astronomy.
The Lecture dealt with the importance of dialogue, especially in achieving peace, with special focus on inter-religious dialogue. He discussed differences between diversity and pluralism in heterogeneous societies, with increasing waves of immigration. He also elaborated on the tendency of “othering” and referred to successful initiatives working on promoting the culture of dialogue which is indeed a culture of peace.
Mrs. Hanafin elaborated on the success story of education in Ireland and ascribed this success to key principles highly valued by the Irish people and government, namely the strong involvement of parents and the commitment of teachers to quality education and professionalism. Educating children with special mental health needs is widely addressed in the new Irish education system.