What is social responsibility of scientists? How should society govern science and technology? What should scientists communicate with citizens? Through various cases, I will have participants tackle such problems.
The aims of the course are as follows.
- To foster scientists who consider social impacts of research
- To enhance participants' awareness of various aspects of complex problems
(1) Strengthen ability to study science from various perspectives and in a critical manner
(2) Have basic knowledge and skills to analyze case studies of STS
social responsibility of scientists; scientific rationality; government and science
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Mainly in a lecture style. But, small group discussion in the final section (class 14 and 15).
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction | |
Class 2 | What is things called science? | To have a critical perspective on science |
Class 3 | academic papers and research evaluation | To build the habit of challenging subjectivities of numbers |
Class 4 | Functions of academic papers and scientific misconducts | To contemplate the best form of researchers |
Class 5 | Interface between engineering ethics and science and technology studies | To understand context sensitiveness of "ethical behavior" |
Class 6 | Case study: Minamata disease | To understand relation between science and political authority |
Class 7 | Case study; Itai-itai disease | To understand relation between science and political authority |
Class 8 | Case study: FBR Monju | To understand relation between science and government |
Class 9 | Case study: Trials regarding HIV-contaminated blood products | To understand relation between science and government |
Class 10 | Case study: Winny (P2P File-sharing software) | To understand relation between science and government |
Class 11 | Case study: BSE scare | To understand science for risk governance |
Class 12 | Case study: Treatment of medical waste | To understand science for risk governance |
Class 13 | Case study: Low dose radiation after Fukushima nuclear plant accident | To understand science for risk governance |
Class 14 | Debate: Blood type personality theory | To have an opportunity for self-reflection |
Class 15 | Discussions |
Yuko Fujigaki (eds.), Case analysis and theoretical concepts for science and technology studies, University of Tokyo Press (in Japanese)
Hand out materials as needed.
Exercise problems (50%) and a final report (50%)
None.