The School of History and Philosophy at UNSW are pleased to present: Nicola Marks (School of English Literatures and Philosophy, University of Wollongong)
Performing scientific citizenship? Stem cell researchers’ discourses about their work and public engagement Abstract: This paper examines the ways in which scientists talk about their work and public engagement, and how this can create and/or limit opportunities for public involvement in decisions about science. It highlights how professionals’ discourses can perform different kinds of ‘scientific citizenship’. Controversial issues including genetically modified crops, human cloning or the excessive exploitation of the environment by modern technologies are seen to have caused an erosion of public trust in science. One response to this has been to promote public engagement in science. However, this should not be seen as a panacea, and various studies suggest that science-public interactions are often set up in such a way that participants are only empowered to play particular roles, usually that of an enlightened citizen of late modernity. Therefore, if we are genuinely committed to creating a trusting relationship between science and members of the public and to opening up some areas of science to public scrutiny and negotiation, it is important to pay attention to the ways in which science-public encounters are framed. Scientists play central roles in this framing. By examining stem cell researchers’ public and private discourses, different kinds of citizenship are shown to be promoted above others. Taking a more normative stance, some of these are highlighted as more desirable, and ways of encouraging them are sought. Nicola Marks lectures in the School of English Literatures and Philosophy at the University of Wollongong. Her research specialises in social aspects of science and technology, public engagement in science, and she has particular interests in stem cell research, genetics and reproductive technologies. When? Tuesday 25 May, 1 p.m. Where? Room 308B, Morven Brown Building, University of New South Wales A light lunch is provided. No bookings are required, and all are welcome. For further information, please contact Joanne Faulkner, [email protected], 9385 2287 Dr. Joanne Faulkner ARC Research Fellow School of History and Philosophy Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Room 338, Morven Brown Building University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia [email protected] +61 2 9385 2287 http://hist-phil.arts.unsw.edu.au/staff-search/joanne-faulkner-633.html Treasurer, Australasian Society for Continental Philosophy: http://www.ascp.org.au_______________________________________________ SydPhil mailing list: http://sydphil.info 950 subscribers now served. To UNSUBSCRIBE, change your MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS, find ANSWERS TO COMMON PROBLEMS, or visit our ONLINE ARCHIVES, please go to the LIST INFORMATION PAGE: http://sydphil.info
