The second edition of the seminar develops the discussions begun on December 1993, taking as its starting point the issues and
goals highlighted by the Nobel Laureates who participated in the two-day debate.
The general framework remains that of the relationship between scientific progress, economic development and the emerging
ethical issues associated with such change. The participants have been asked to reflect upon the intrinsic cultural value of science
and on the need for the general public to play a more active role in setting the goals and ethical limits of research and its
applications, with a view to overcoming conflict and strengthening international cooperation. This scenario can not ignore the
strategic importance of education nor training and the impact of changes wrought by innovation in the world of production and
work.
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| Towards a Culture Based on Science |
Thursday 8 December 1994
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There is an intimate relation between science education and the
state of society. However, there is a feeling that the whole field
of science education has not adapted and the public underestimates
the contribution of scientists. One important cause of this is
the type of science education that is taught at school, which
is solely theoretical and uninspiring for the young. Several models
of science education designed to arouse interest and inspiration
will be discussed. What is also important is how science is transmitted
to the public by mass media, which tends to emphasize the practical
results, often exaggerated, and create disillusionment. The need
to continue learning after finishing university is another important
aspect of science education. This is true for institutions in
general, whether universities or industries
The resulting essay has been translated into Italian and published in the book
Scienza e società. Dieci Nobel per il futuro. (Marsilio, Venezia 1995).
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