360°: Science, Democracy, and Truth
How can we use science to respond to the criticisms of those in power that might disagree with our fundamental assumptions about the reliability of scientific facts?
How can we use science to respond to the criticisms of those in power that might disagree with our fundamental assumptions about the reliability of scientific facts?
We currently live in a “post truth” era where it is often difficult to discern fact from “fake news”. How can we use science to respond to the criticisms of those in power that might disagree with our fundamental assumptions about the reliability of scientific facts? Anticipating and addressing these challenges requires an understanding of the fundamental connections between scientific knowledge and philosophical argumentation regarding science. In order to provide a foundation in these areas, this 360 involves an ecology course and a course on the philosophical questions surrounding the use of scientific data and climate science.
Courses
A study of the interactions between organisms and their environments. The scientific underpinnings of current environmental issues, with regard to human impacts, are also discussed. In this course, taught by Tom Mozdzer, students will also become familiar with ecological principles and with the methods ecologists use. Students will apply these principles through the design and implementation of experiments both in the laboratory and the field.
This course, taught by Collin Rice, will focus on the role of scientific models, theories, and research in democratic policy making. In particular, we will consider the epistemological and ethical questions surrounding the use of scientific models in conservation ecology, climate change, and other areas of biology. The goal of the course will be to focus on how scientific research ought to be funded, practiced and incorporated into policy within a democratic society.