ARTS 3006 - Science and Society

Where does science fit in a post-truth world? If scientific knowledge is socially constructed, like experiential or other types of knowledge, does that mean that there is nothing special about scientific expertise? Recent geopolitical events, for example the “March for Science”, have highlighted the complex relationship between scientific knowledge and social, political and economic structures. In this course, we will examine current issues in science and society across key areas, for example climate change and energy, health and medicine, and food production, through a range of theoretical approaches including Public Understanding of Science, Science and Technology Studies and Social Studies of Science and Technology. We will also look at the contribution of other theories from sociology and philosophy, such as Feminism and Post-Colonialism, to our current understanding of the ‘science machine’. Students will also participate in masterclasses with leading scholars in the field, and work together to prepare a series of Q&A-style forums.