Traditionally there has been little formal effort through coursework to bridge the gap between scientific research and social debates arising from the ethical implications of technological innovations. Consequently, specialists are more comfortable within their area of expertise. But in the case of biotechnology, the forces driving research are so strong and the public’s lack of knowledge so great that society needs scientists to cross the gap between scientific discourse and public debate. Scientists need to become productive participants in the arena of ethical deliberation.

It is equally important for scientists to understand that biotechnology is not only a research problem. The articulation of an appropriate biotechnology policy will require negotiation among international participants who have different interests and needs. If the process by which an acceptable policy is reached must be fair and democratic, then these normative concepts must also play an important role in the process. Because of this, scientists need to understand how scientific findings can appropriately be incorporated into public debate about issues, and must be prepared to situate scientific considerations within a democratic public debate.

This course is designed to help address this need. It entails in-depth study of the international debate over agricultural biotechnology.

We are no longer taking applications, check back next January to apply for the Debating Science 2008 or see our Environmental Ethics Institute for other course opportunities