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