HSP 124-02
Albion College
Fall 02021
Discussion Questions for TC, Introduction & Chapter 1
Questions contributed by several past 8 Big Ideas students

1. Why do people condemn the sciences to being "beyond them" and then distrust the the scientists they've given the responsibility of doing the research? Should people without basic understanding of issues be neglected in decision-making votes?

2. Is it science's responsibility to determine the ethics behind the usage of their discoveries?

3. On pages 12 and 13, Natalie Angier quotes Peter Galison effectively saying that the glamour and fun of science has been drained from middle and upper education. For the high school and collegiate environment, how can we make science "fun" again?

4. How could the general public become more educated in order to be more knowledgeable of vital issues involving the sciences?

5. What are the possible negative effects of a more educated public?

6. What's one scientopic or concept you would choose to have the public more thoroughly educated on?

7. Why are fewer and fewer American students opting to study science?

8. How does mathematics help someone understand science?

9. How is the uncertainty of science powerful?

10. Angier rants about humans' ignorance of science in the beginning. Why do you think that this is? Is it because it is truly "bo-o-ring"? Is it too complex for people to understand? Or is it jut seen as geeky, and we don't want to take the risk of putting our social status in danger?

11.  "We're going through another transformation in expectations right now where reasoning skills and a grasp of the scientific process are becoming things that everybody needs." Do you believe this is true? If so, how do you believe Albion and a Liberal Arts Education applies this?

12. Do you believe that the research of social sciences goes under less scrutiny than natural sciences? Why or why not?