Memo from:
    F. H. Conroy and A. V. Riasanovsky
    Professors of History, University of Pennsylvania

To:
    Several Scholars of Merit, in our opinion

Subject:
    Cosmic History

The undersigned have felt for some time a sense of unease at the increasing compartmentalization of scholarship which leaves almost no time for thinking on what we shall call the "cosmic history" level.  That level may be so high (or low) that no one can do it adequately, but we feel someattempt should be made.

Therefore we address this invitation to several "scholars of merit, in our opinion" who, we think, are bold enough to try.  Perhaps others will join us later.

No time of meeting is perfect (or even good) for busy schedules, but a majority of you have indicated that Friday afternoon is "usually" a good time, and we are therefore calling our first "Cosmic History Seminar" for Friday afternoon, Nov. 4 at 2:30 in the History Seminar-Lounge, Room 221 College Hall, at the University of Pennsylvania.  Time and arrangements for subsequent meetings will be considered then.

The seminar will be very interdisciplinary, with history, philosophy, religious thought, physics, astronomy, systems analysis, and probably others represented -- not as fields per se, but by individuals who may wish to explore beyond the confines of their own fields.  The central question: what is really going on on this planet, in the solar system, and in the wider universe?  Is it a "holy experiment," or some kind of cruel games with human beings, animals, and whatever else may be around as pawns or victims?  Is it a "learning experience" or just some accidental happenings?  Is "outer space" really there?  Is time really "marching on"?  Such questions are so difficult that acdemia no longer takes them seriously, although philosophers (old style) once did.  The format is open, with prior convictions left outside insofar as possible.  Please do come if you can.

Sincerely yours,

(signed)
F. Hilary Conroy
Alexander V. Riasanovsky
October 11, 1983

"The Symposium: A Dialogue based on the Cosmic History Seminar Minutes" by Francis Conroy
"Purpose in History?: a Letter to the Editor of the American Historical Association" by F. Hilary Conroy
"A Cosmic Perspective on Life and Death" by Robert E. Davies
"45 Poems on the Cosmos, Knowledge, Time and Life" by Alexander Riasanovsky
"How Understanding Evolves" by Christopher Largent
"The Dilemma of Teleology" by Lowell Clucas
"Traditional Ideas about the Universe and their Symbols" by Schuyler Cammann