This course will explore the role of science in modern democratic
societies. Contrary to popular belief, science is now—and always has
been—a political endeavor. Over the next ten weeks, we will explore
key concepts and case studies related to the production and use of
scientific knowledge, in the United States and beyond. We will focus
our studies on the areas of environment and human health. And we will
consider the role of science in public policy. By the end of the
quarter, we will have answered a series of crucial questions:

Why do reasonable people disagree when presented with the same
scientific evidence? Can science resolve cultural and political
debates? Who produces knowledge and who consumes it? Why do
arguments about scientific theories persist despite overwhelming
evidence? Does the truth speak for itself, or do “facts” mean
different things to different people? Is knowledge really power? If
so, how have people used that power to exert their will over others?
Is science the solution to environmental and health problems, or is it
the cause? What roles do scientists play in policy-making? What
roles should they play? How is science governed in the United States
and abroad? And can we envision a society in which science serves a
more productive role in promoting social welfare and democratic
decision-making?

As you will see, science offers modern democratic societies with
tremendous opportunities and great challenges. The goals of this
course will be for you to develop an understanding these opportunities
and challenges, and to provide the tools that will allow you to better
understand historical and contemporary scientific debates—from
evolution to pollution, from carbon emissions to cancer clusters, and
from the air we breath to the food we eat.