UNR English professor Lynda Walsh will facilitate an intriguing discussion about the rhetoric of early science and how it explains the influence of popular science today.
During “Science or Prophecy: The Catch-22 of the American Science Adviser,” Dr. Walsh addresses some of the key controversies in the history of American science policymaking, and identifies a thread that runs through all of them—namely, the tendency to treat scientists as prophets. Expect to hear about and ask questions regarding the language around DDT, nuclear proliferation, and climate change.
“Rachel Carson, Carl Sagan and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change were all put in a curious double-bind as a result of public advocacy. They were expected to speak with certainty about uncertain matters. To cope with this dilemma, they all resorted to an ancient template for manufacturing certainty in crisis—prophecy. But of course, this strategy created problems for their scientific reputations, and it continues to complicate our science-policymaking in the U.S.,” explains Dr. Walsh who teaches writing classes at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Sierra College Insights is an interactive presentation series that takes place on the Tahoe-Truckee campus. It is provided at no cost and is open to residents and visitors. Attendees are invited to socialize over refreshments sponsored by Starbucks from 6:30 to 7 p.m.