The Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) at UM6P, in collaboration with UM6P CEDoc and the Centre “Science and the Quest for Meaning,” is delighted to announce an upcoming seminar that delves into one of the most profound and enduring inquiries of human thought: Origins and Causality.

Unraveling the Universe’s Mysteries

How did the universe begin? What are the philosophical and scientific implications of causality? How have ancient and modern thinkers contributed to our understanding of existence?

These are the fundamental questions that will be explored in this two-part seminar series, led by two esteemed researchers:

• Dr. Bruno Guiderdoni – Director of the Lyon Observatory, specialist in galaxy formation, and Senior Advisor at the Centre “Science and the Quest for Meaning.”
• Dr. Inès Safi – Theoretical physicist at CNRS, expert in quantum physics, and an advocate for the philosophy and history of science.

Additionally, Professor Raphaël Liogier, IAS Scientific Director, will deliver a special presentation, sharing insights from his extensive work in interdisciplinary research and scientific thought.

First Session Details

📅 March 10-11, 2025

📍 Salle Laayoune, SHBM, UM6P Campus, Benguerir

This interdisciplinary event will explore the intersection of scientific theories, philosophy, and metaphysical thought, bridging historical perspectives with modern advances in quantum mechanics and cosmology.

What to Expect?

🔹 The evolution of causality and origins from classical philosophy to modern physics.

🔹 Insights into the Big Bang, quantum entanglement, and physical cosmology.

🔹 How ancient scholars like Ibn Sînâ, Al-Ghazâlî, and Ibn Rushd influenced contemporary scientific thought.

🔹 Philosophical debates on determinism, randomness, and the role of chance in the universe.

🔹 Reflections on the implications of quantum mechanics and pre-Big Bang cosmologies.

Who Should Attend?

This seminar is open to all—students, researchers, and anyone fascinated by the deep connections between science, philosophy, and spirituality. For doctoral students, it also fulfills part of the “History of Science” module and will be complemented by an 18-hour lecture series in the final quarter of 2025.

Join us for an engaging discussion that bridges centuries of thought and sheds light on the profound mysteries of our existence.