Science tells us things
about our world. The scientific
method tells us how to discover answers to new questions as they arise. But is science missing an opportunity? Does it play the role it should in
shaping the world in which we live?
In this class we’ll
look at several important questions, including:
·
What role does
science play in public thinking today?
·
What are some specific
reasons why people find it hard to think in ways that seem natural to
scientists? Can we do something
about this?
·
Are there
parascientific issues (for example ethical, legal or economic ones) that
scientists should consider in the course of their work?
·
What can
scientists do to increase the positive impact that the scientific endeavor
has on the world at large?
We’ll also look at
specific areas of science and technology and ask the question, “How
might this work alter our society?” My goal here is to encourage each of
you, as a scientist, to think not just about the work you do but also about
the possible impact of that work on all of us.