Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Blog Prompts | Oct 6 - Oct 13

Other than science, what grants an individual, a public official, an advocacy group, a policy, a source of knowledge, or an approach to a problem authority and legitimacy in our society? Make a list. For each entry on your list, imagine that source of authority matters more than science. How would that change or inform issues and policies regarding climate change?

What is the proper role of science and scientists in public environmental disputes? How is a scientist like or unlike a doctor in this regard? Are scientists properly thought of as “early warners?” Should they be advocates as well?

Have a look at the Union of Concerned Scientists investigation into the Bush administration's policies regarding science production and publication. Under what circumstances should the government influence scientific findings, or edit the publications of government employed scientists?

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