A2Ethics is excited to announce their next symposium series: Science and Civic Responsibilities, led by Eduardo Martinez in collaboration with the UC Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS). This just-at-the-right-moment three part series focuses our attention on an ongoing and persistent ethical issue faced by all democracies: Public Trust and Distrust of Science. These open-ended discussions will take place Mondays from 7:00-8:00pm over Zoom on the following days:
- February 24th: Trust and Distrust of Science
- March 10th: Scientists’ Civic Responsibilities
- March 24th: Citizens’ and Policymakers’ Scientific Responsibilities
Learn more about the series here, and contact Gabe Kahn from A2Ethics at gabe2kahn@gmail.com to RSVP!
Sponsors and introduction
A2Ethics is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting ethics and philosophy initiatives through events, education programs and partnerships. A2Ethics is establishing an ethics network of organizations and individuals to support and expand public engagement about real world ethics issues in Michigan (their home community) and beyond.
The UC Center for Public Engagement with Science (PEWS) works to expand and enrich the interface between science and the public, including improving the quality of science engagement by promoting dialogue among and benefit for all stakeholders.
Eduardo Martinez is a PEWS Faculty Affiliate and an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cincinnati, where he teaches a variety of courses in Ethics and Political Philosophy. He received his PhD from the University of Michigan in 2020 and his main area of research is democratic theory. His (co-authored) book Boxed In: Making Identities Safe for Democracy was published by Oxford University Press in 2024.
The symposium series will consider the responsibilities of scientists, policymakers, and citizens and their relationship to one another. We will explore how science intersects with democracy and discuss our experiences with different areas of science that led to engagement or disengagement. Watch Dr. Martinez’s introduction here:
First meeting
The first conversation in this series will be on Zoom on Monday, February 24th at 7:00-8:00pm EST. It will focus on Trust and Distrust of Science. Here are a few resources to help you get familiar with the topic:
- “Why Some People Don’t Trust Science – and How to Change Their Minds” by Laurence D. Hurst, The Conversation
- “Science and Technology: Public Perceptions, Awareness, and Information Sources” by Brian G. Southwell & Benjamin Schneider
- A report from the National Science Foundation – you might find it useful to read the executive summary and jump around to a few of the graphs and findings throughout the report
- A report from the National Science Foundation – you might find it useful to read the executive summary and jump around to a few of the graphs and findings throughout the report
- “Beliefs, Values, and Emotions: An Interactive Approach to Distrust in Science” by Katherine Furman, Philosophical Psychology (Academic journal article)
- “Please Wear A Mask” – Episode of the PERITIA Podcast: The Trust Race
Join the conversation!
Please RSVP to Gabe Kahn from A2Ethics at gabe@a2ethics.org to receive the Zoom link!