News/Events
Augustinian Theology Meets Addiction Neuroscience in the Doctrine of the Captive Will
Cynthia M.A. Geppert, MD, PhD
Thursday, March 12th 2026, 3:00-4:30 PM
Mitchell Hall, Room 122
Abstract: Twenty-first century neuroscience has discovered that in some severe cases, addiction may so constrain human freedom that the will is only able to choose to use substances of abuse. At this advanced stage, substance use has become the primary driver of salience, co-opting and subsuming other moral priorities and human rewards.
Scholars have investigated Aristotle's concept of akrasia as an ancient mirror of this understanding and there have been some
preliminary discussions of Augustine's concept of the divided will as it bears on addiction.
No detailed and comprehensive exploration of the work of Augustine has yet been undertaken as it relates to three contemporary models of addiction: the choice, learning, and brain disease models.
Augustine's psychological awareness, his mastery of ancient theological and philosophical thinking, and his enormous
and enduring influence on both Catholic and Protestant theology, make him an ideal subject for such research. In this lecture Dr. Geppert will discuss her recent book’s argument that Augustine's doctrine of the captive will offers a theological parallel of each of these contemporary models of addiction.
American Studies Spring 2026 Convocation
May 16, 2026 2:00 PM - May 16, 2026 3:00 PM
UNM Main Campus, Hodgin Hall, Bobo Room
The Department of American Studies, the Religious Studies Program and the Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies Program is happy to announce their Spring 2026 Joint Convocation Ceremony honoring graduate and undergraduate students. The ceremony is open to students and their guests.
For questions regarding mobility assistance and venue access please contact us.
