ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I was actually trying to get at the question of whether ethical 
examination of issues related to science and technology should be a 
part of the mission of ASTC institutions?

I've seen exhibits in which visitors were encouraged to consider 
ethical issues (for example exhibits in which folks were asked to 
consider the different perspectives of rain forest stake holders 
relative to land use) -- but, with the exception of exhibits about 
cleaning up the environment, have never seen a museum take a particular 
stand.

I think the distinction between phenomena and theories is terrific!  It 
really helps illumine the question.  Yes, we can find evidence that 
evolution occurs.  But why?  Now THAT's the question!  Because of 
natural selection (one theory).  Because of "intelligent design?"  
(another possible theory ??)

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Siegel <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent:         Wed, 13 Apr 2005 20:32:16 -0400
Subject: Re: ethics and science centers - query

   ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology 
Centers
  Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related 
institutions.
  
*****************************************************************************

  I don't think anyone is suggesting that we condemn people who don't 
believe that natural selection and related theories explain biological 
change over time, or to establish a moral hierarchy among believers in 
various world views. I think it is both fair and maybe necessary to 
point out the power of the scientific explanation and its differences 
from religious explanations.

  On a related topic, a colleague of mine, a biologist, surveyed 
teachers and students to see the extent to which they distinguish 
between "evolution" which he calls a phenomenon, and "natural 
selection" which he calls a theory. I think that is the terminology he 
uses, and it is an interesting distinction for me. I think it is going 
to be published in a peer reviewed journal soon, so I'm not sure if I 
can share the paper, but I will ask him if anyone is interested.

  I think the question of environmentalism is kind of a done deal, every 
informal or formal educational institution seems to accept that human 
caused environmental degradation is both a fact and something that 
should be minimized or reversed if possible.

 Eric Siegel
 Executive VP
 Programs and Planning
 New York Hall of Science
 47-01 111th Street
 Queens, NY 11368
 esiegel at nyscience dot org

 On Apr 13, 2005, at 7:58 PM, Lisa Jo Rudy wrote:

  > ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology > 
Centers
  > Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related > 
institutions.
  > 
*********************************************************************** 
> ******
 >
  > With all the conversation going on about evolution and the > 
importance/meaning of science, I'd be interested in museum > 
professionals' take on the questions --
 >
  > should science centers take moral positions on issues in which they 
 > are involved? If so, what should those moral positions be? Should > 
all ASTC institutions share the same moral positions?
 >
  > For example -- do ASTC institutions have a moral obligation to take 
a > stand on evolution? Or should they simply clarify the difference > 
between evolutionary theory as a scientific concept and creationism as 
 > a religious concept)? Should ASTC institutions take an ethical stand 
 > on topics like cloning, global warming, etc. -- or is their purpose 
to > engage visitors in non-judgemental exploration of scientific 
topics, > and to help visitors better understand the scientific method 
without > reference to ethics one way or another?
 >
 > (just keeping the conversation lively!!)
 >
  > 
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  > More information about the Informal Science Education Network and 
the
  > Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at > 
http://www.astc.org.
 > To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
 > message SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
 > [log in to unmask]
 >

  
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