Debating Science, our NSF sponsored program has completed its 2nd year summer-workshop with great success. Close to one hundred students applied to the program. The 28 students selected had out- standing academic preparation and demonstrated a commitment to the broader ethical issues surrounding their scientific research. Universities such as Rice, Cornell, Yale, Stanford, Michigan State, Arizona State and Iowa State were represented. Students came from backgrounds ranging from agronomy to earth systems science, environ- mental engineering, chemistry, animal sciences, atmospheric & oceanic sciences, biochemistry, philosophy, and molecular biology. Below are two replies from the post-workshop survey:
"The whole workshop was great. I think the lectures were very interesting and well balanced among the three areas (nanotechnology, climate change, and biotech). The organizers did a great job finding top of the shelf speakers who addressed the different aspects of these areas. These five days were at the same time provocative and stimulating."
“The best part was just meeting people who are interested in how science relates to society and vice versa. I loved being able to use each other as sounding boards, learning new ideas from each other, learning how to better communicate our ideas on different issues.”
Read a full report by Dr. Christopher Preston at www.umt.edu/ethics
Climate Change
"Ethical Issues Entailed by the Need to Replace the Kyoto Protocal"
August 7, 2008
An examination of the real issues preventing progress in climate change negotiations today. Included in these are the need for interdisciplinary cooperation and understanding of climate change and a truly global approach to solutions.
Ecology
"Climate Change: Managing the Natural Carbon Cycle"
August 7, 2008
The Carbon Cycle is the full path that carbon takes, from its creation in organic matter and its storage in fossil fuels to its release (primarily by humans) and movement into the global atmosphere and oceans. Understanding the sheer size and complexity of the carbon cycle is a must as we seek solutions to climate change.
Geology
"Cascading Climate Change Impacts on the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem"
August 7, 2008
An in-depth look at the climate in Glacier National Park, one of the most diverse and sensitive ecosystems in North America. This visually stunning demonstration of the effects of climate change covers everything from glacier dissapearance and forest fires to pine beetle migration, avalanches and loss of animal habitat.
Economics
"Efficiency vs. Equity: Economic Considerations in the Science Debates"
August 5, 2008
This discussion shows the limits of economic answers to questions arising in debates over climate change and its solutions. From personal choices to cap and trade and carbon offsets, Dr. Barret clarifies this often-convoluted topic for specialists and nonspecialists alike.
Visit Dick Barret's Website
Nanotechnology
"Nanotechnology and the Environment"
August 6, 2008
(Summary)
Nanotechnology, Biotechnology
"Reflecting on the Ethics of Nanotechnology"
August 6, 2008
Dr. Berne brings a background in rhetoric and comparative religious ethics to bear on the question of values in nanotech research, urging us to ask these questions first. Key to her discussion is the fact that so many new products are coming onto the market that are poorly understood.
Physics
"A Primer on the Promise and Pitfalls of Nanotechnology"
August 8, 2008
Covering what drives new innovations (finanial push, inspiration from nature, etc), how to communicate the nano-scale to people, and the problems of innovation in the absense of regulation and research into side effects.
Click here for Richard Feynman's article, "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom."
Biotech
"Extrinsic and Intrinsic Moral Objectives: Regulating Genes, Atoms and Politics."
August 8, 2008
A discussion of environmental regulation of biotechnology, the policy, perceptions, and pitfalls of communicating science to the public. Discusses issues ranging from GM foods and Nanotechnology to Nuclear Waste.
Ethics
"Regulating GMOs: Substantial Equivalence vs. the Precautionary Principle"
August 5, 2008
Biotech
"The Responsibilities of the Academic Scientist to Society"
August 5, 2008
Biotech
"Bio-tech Directs us to the Wild Side: How Genetic Information and Bio-tech's Tools Can Re-Write 10,000 Years of Failed Human History."
August 7, 2008
More information about Richard Manning (or see his updated bio)
