Thinking about Minamata disease leads to the study of fundamental issues such as "technology and ethics," "relationship between nature and humans," and "responsibility and forgiveness." The Minamata Disease Research Group of Kumamoto University, which was established in 1956, suspected that there was a problem with the effluent from the Chisso factory, and announced in July 1959 that it was caused by organic mercury. In response, in November of the same year, Kiyoura Raisaku (Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology) published a research report denying this, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare followed suit. As a result, the investigation into the cause of Minamata disease was delayed, and the damage was expanded. The existence of fetal Minamata disease was confirmed in 1960.
As Tokyo Institute of Technology, it is important to study Minamata disease. I would like to consider the essence of Minamata disease and think about the ideal way of altruistic technology.
To acquire basic knowledge about Minamata disease. Understand the potential and dangers of advances in science and technology.
Minamata disease, pollution, science and technology, altruism
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Classes are held at ZOOM. The first 60 minutes will be a lecture and the second 40 minutes will be a discussion. Professor Wakamatsu, Professor Isozaki, and Professor Nakajima will give classes for the first time (1st time) and the final time (7th time). Classes by guests will be held from the 2nd to the 6th.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | October 6th (Wednesday) / Guidance | To understand Minamata disease. Actively discuss. |
Class 2 | Wednesday, October 13: Guest | To understand Minamata disease. Actively discuss. |
Class 3 | Wednesday, October 20: Guest | To understand Minamata disease. Actively discuss. |
Class 4 | Wednesday, October 27: Guest | To understand Minamata disease. Actively discuss. |
Class 5 | Wednesday, November 10: Guest | To understand Minamata disease. Actively discuss. |
Class 6 | Wednesday, November 17: Guest | To understand Minamata disease. Actively discuss. |
Class 7 | Wednesday, November 24 / Summary | To understand Minamata disease. Actively discuss. |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
None
Instruct in class
Discussions and comments in class. +Report
None
tnakajima[at]ila.titech.ac.jp