Chemistry/Philosophy Roundtable
Science in a Global World: Diversity in Scientific Practice
Saturday March 24 2018
10.00 ‐ 12.00 Noon and 2.00 ‐ 4.00 PM
Chemistry and Computer Science Building (CCSB) G.0208
Eric Scerri, Professor of Chemistry, UCLA
Matt Brown, Professor of Philosophy, UT Dallas
Ricardo Bernal, Professor of Chemistry, UTEP
Mark Walker, Professor of Philosophy, NMSU
All over the world, research‐performing institutions in science today are seeking to increase their diversity, thus hoping to increase their levels of innovation. But what exactly is diversity in science? What is the underlying concept that we are using here to guide our practices? Does diversity simply mean the recruiting of various kinds of minorities as students and faculty? If so, then how does this “diversity” differ from the old colonial program of “civilizing” other peoples? Indeed, 200 years of colonial history has taught us that such moves lead only to greater homogeneity rather than to any diversity. Or, perhaps there exists a richer sense of scientific diversity which might give rise to a diversity of concepts, research programs, and forms of knowledge. If so, what then is the outline of this new idea, and how do we transform it into an informed practice? A number of panelists discuss this important question of diversity in science from different perspectives. The goal is to arrive at some new concepts, and then (gradually) implement those concepts into the appreciation, teaching, and training of science.
The 2018 Chemistry/Philosophy Roundtable is funded by both the College of Science and the College of Liberal Arts in order to start some interdisciplinary conversations about the nature of the 21st‐Century science. For more information, and for RSVP, please email Deepanwita Dasgupta, Department of Philosophy, at ddasgupta@utep.edu. Box lunch will be served during the roundtable discussions.
