Exploring Ethics

In conjunction with the Center for Ethics in Science and Technology, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center welcomes guests to encounter science from an ethical viewpoint. Held on select Wednesdays, from October through June, this ongoing series brings together community leaders of various backgrounds to examine current scientific issues from diverse perspectives. Bring your own questions and join in the discussion!

To RSVP: call (858) 822-2647 or send an email to ethicscenter@ucsd.edu with the following information:

• Date & topic
• Name
• Phone number & email address
• Indicate if you would like to be added to the Ethics Center mailing list

Infectious Disease

March 6

Environmental changes can have profound impacts on the spread of infectious diseases. One environmental change that cannot be ignored is global warming. A primary lesson from Rachel Carson's Silent Spring is that we should consider the unintended or unanticipated consequences of changes -- whether or not they are manmade.  In addition to larger organisms, climate change also affects the microbes that determine the health and disease of animals, humans, and the environment. Climate change influences the emergence and spread of many infectious diseases.  Please join us for this discussion about what may lie ahead for us, and what might be done to reduce the impact of impending changes.

5:30–7PM; William & Grayson Boehm Community Forum at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.  Please refer to The Center for Ethics, San Diego Bees and Bays and the Silent Spring Project website for more information.

The program is free but registration is required.

Upcoming Topics

April 3

Elephants or People?

Many ethical dilemmas faces those who seek to preserve endangered species, and especially those who wish to preserve them or reintroduce them into their natural habitats. In some cases, it is human beings who have so encroached upon these habitats that the animals being protected or reintroduced—such as elephants, wolves, and tigers—pose a potential threat to crops, livestock, and even humans themselves. In other situations, it is other species introduced into particular habitats by humans that have caused native species to become endangered. In such cases, the only means of successfully reintroducing or maintaining native species is through the complete eradication of the invading species. What are those concerned with the preservation of native species to do in such situations?

May 1

Silent Spring and San Diego Students

Students at multiple colleges and universities in the San Diego region were challenged to write essays about their reflections prompted by Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring. Winners of the community-wide competition will be announced and join us in a discussion of a variety of timely and important questions for the San Diego community.

Women in Science

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson's landmark book, Silent Spring. Much has changed in the past 50 years, but questions should be asked now about how far we have come and how far we have to go. To help us navigate thses important issues, we will be joined by Linda Lear, the best known biographer of Rachel Carson.