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Gert Balling, Cross disciplinary PhD from The IT-university of Denmark and UCLA USA. Scientific issues communicated through books, newspapers, radio, television and science cafés. Introduction 1/2 , Preliminary remarks 5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
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Gert Balling, Cross disciplinary PhD from The IT-university of Denmark and UCLA USA. Scientific issues communicated through books, newspapers, radio, television and science cafés. Introduction 1/2, Preliminary remarks 5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
Agenda at Hokkaido University: • 1) Remarks on ethics and understanding of Science. • 2) “Future Body” 2000-2003 • 3) “Cloning” 2003 • 4) Final remarks Introduction 2/2, Preliminary remarks 5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
Remarks on ethics • In my context focus on ethics derives from discussions on technologies them selves and especially how the implementation of them will change who we are, our behaviour and our society over time. Introduction 2, Preliminary remarks 1/5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
Remarks on Understanding Science • The challenge is that we cannot have this discussion on a reasonable level if we do not have qualified background knowledge. • My claim is that the broader public doesn’t have this knowledge at hand and that the knowledge they have is based on the wrong facts. • Peter Weingart, German sociologist of science. • Roslynn Haynes, Australian scientist. Introduction 2, Preliminary remarks 2/5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
Hollywood Science • Weingart points out that while television viewers are exposed to science through a variety of programmes, which is good - the leading sources are movies, television serials, and soap operas, which is bad. • Research is often depicted as an obscure activity done by some kind of madman and greedy scientist with foul intentions. Introduction 2, Preliminary remarks 3/5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
Science Journalism • The unfortunate thing is that the mass media has adopted many of the diabolical descriptions of scientists created by such fictional characters as Dr. Frankenstein, Dr. Caligari, Dr. Jekyll, and Dr. Strangelove. • Science reporting is a difficult path to tread for dailies that do not typically deal with science and that are predisposed to edge their stories with sensation. Introduction 2, Preliminary remarks 4/5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
Public opinions and perceptions • Public opinions are moulded by perceptions, often skewed – that are not always rational. • Furthermore, initial perceptions based on worst-case scenarios or on fictional characters are difficult to change, even if the initial allegations can be refuted on a scientific basis. • What it means is that public fears and concerns, whether they sound grounded or not, need to be addressed. Introduction 2, Preliminary remarks 5/5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
Typical themes in Denmark: • Reproduction technologies • Enhancement technologies • Imaginations on Technology • Cloning Introduction 2, Preliminary remarks 5, Ethical themes 1/1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
“Future Body” 2000 - 2003 • An exhibition • Short newspapers articles • chat rooms • longer articles on the exhibition homepage • Anthology “Homo Sapiens 2.0” 2002 • Article collection “Future Body” 2003 Introduction 2, Preliminary remarks 5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1/1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1.
“Cloning” 2003 • A report on Cloning no one wanted to read. • A “role play” game on cloning • Background and extra background material • Roles: NGO, Politicians, activists, company representative, journalists • Game masters • Science cafés on cloning • Cloning trial • 2 lawyers • Jury (representatives from the youth division of the political parties) Introduction 2, Preliminary remarks 5, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1/1, Final remarks 1.
Conclusion • If you want to reach the broader public and engage them in national debates on man/machine issue, you have to undertake untraditional methods. • The broader public wants to engage in science communication if: • You find them where they are • You meet them face to face • You talk to them in a language they understand • And discuss problems they are concerned about Introduction 2, Preliminary remarks 2, Ethical themes 1, “Future Body” 1, “Cloning” 1, Final remarks 1/1.
