“Embattled Science” by Dr. Fred Schubert
November 14 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Free
SCIENCE AND RELIGIOUS DOGMA
The talk will look at the struggle between Galileo and the church, that has lessons for later
conflicts. His writings, four centuries old, are still in print and in his engaging and cogent style addresses the general issue of dogma vs. direct study of nature.
SCIENCE IN CONFLICT WITH THE STATE
Then, the comments of Thomas Hobbes about the inherent general conflict between science and the state implied by the existence of “independent” science.
A particular case of science versus the state with horrendous consequences for millions involved Lysenkoism in Russia versus traditional genetics.
SCIENCE GOES TO COURT
A significant discussion will involve the knotty problem of science in court cases and the relation between scientific knowledge and evidence. How does one decide a case when “expert” witnesses offer conflicting views? What are the rubrics for acceptable scientific testimony? 5:30 in the Shaw Research Library.