If scientists are in the business of facts, is there still space for human values? Like many other scientists-in-training, I used to think of the sciences as ideally free from societal values, such as environmentalism and feminism. Sure, our ethical or political biases might guide what scientists study or how others use that knowledge. But,… Read more »
The bias of industry-funded research is pervasive and well-documented. When industry funds a study, it is more likely to produce pro-industry conclusions than is a non-industry funded study. Companies regularly use this pro-industry science to cast doubt on research that hurts their bottom line. Classic cases come from the tobacco and fossil-fuel industries, challenging evidence about the… Read more »
Scientific thinking, like that in any arts subject, is carried on by human beings seeking to take a small, faltering step into the unknown. … It has natural ancestors, a genesis, a development, a logical structure; it has conceptual consequences; it has practical applications. … The Department of History and Logic of Science will navigate… Read more »
“Our sexuality is becoming digital,” notes Dr. Justin Garcia, a leading expert in modern human mating. While new modes of sexuality and romance bring benefits, they also invite ethical questions. Take the phenomenon of “sexting,” the transmission of sexual images and messages via mobile phone or other electronic media. After discovering that sexts are shared… Read more »
This post is from ScIU’s archives. It was originally published for Earth Day 2017 and has been lightly edited to reflect current events. When scientists communicate with the public about politics, they often frame the issue as “science vs. politics.” For instance, some scientists champion speaking truth to power, while others suggest that they stay out of… Read more »
As recently as Thursday of last week, two different versions of a tax reform bill were working their way through a reconciliation committee comprised of House Representatives and Senators. The House version of the tax reform bill had called for changes to the tax code that would have dramatically affected the personal finances of graduate… Read more »
Whether it’s the “alternative facts” from politicians or the “fake news” from the media, facts are at the fore. While they can’t agree on much else, politicians, pundits, and the public do agree (mostly) about facts: facts are separate from fictions, they are reliable and authoritative, and, most importantly, they have something to do with… Read more »
As a reader on this blog, you probably enjoy learning about science. But how much do you know about its history? If you’re a scientist, do you know where your field came from? There are fascinating stories behind the instruments you use and the journals you read. If you’re not a scientist, do you know… Read more »
