by We live in the Age of Information. CNN news stories ping for our attention as they blare across the screens of our cell phones each day. Siri can recite concepts from the 18th century or theories developed within the past month. Cutting-edge medical research is available at the tap of a finger. Yet amid this impressive overflow of information which one would expect to solidify the scientific knowledge that our society has been built upon, we are simultaneously living through an age of extreme cultural and political divide.
The recent Donald Trump election was one of the most controversial elections in the history of the United States. Throughout his election and presidency, Donald Trump has twisted the age of information into his own superpower, using the blatant denial of facts and the discrediting of science to his advantage. The revival of an age-old battle between science and religion has led to many of the most hostile debates in our country boiling down to the recognition or the denial of science.
Anti-vaxxers have rallied behind the claim that vaccines cause autism in complete disregard of studies which have proven otherwise. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic “Anti-maskers” have come head to head with leading scientists who have time and time again declared that wearing a mask is the most simple and effective way to prevent the spread of the virus. Climate change deniers blatantly discredit the rallying cry of climate scientists who warn us of future disaster. Speaking on The Fourth National Climate Assessment, which outlined the potential impacts of climate change in American society, Trump had but to say “I don’t believe it.”
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/27/us-warning-pandemic-anti-vaxxers
While the Age of Information has given technology and science the platform to influence our society, it may be the abundance of science which has led to an interesting societal turn of disregard and even disdain for facts. The subject of science is often obscured with complicated terms, and precise knowledge making scientific conversations a subject that many see reserved for the “educated” or the “elite.” From climate change to COVID-19 research, the scientific community has struggled with transferring their knowledge into appropriate terms for which all Americans can comprehend. This is potentially part of the reason for the growing hostility of certain Americans to respect and listen to them.
The seemingly irreconcilable debates of today can only be solved with reframing our understanding of what science fundamentally is: an exploration based in human nature. Edwin Powell Hubble in The Nature of Science, 1954 stated:
“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science.”
The basis of both science and technology ultimately boils down to human nature. Curiosity drives exploration, and exploration drives innovation and discovery. Science is not just a subject for the “educated elite” but for anyone with curiosity.
STS is the study of not only how science is discovered and technology is innovated, but the way in which science and technology manifests in our society. STS fosters an interdisciplinary way of thinking which is critical for studying and hopefully mending our country’s divide. The future of science depends on the study of science, technology and society.
Sources:
“Trump on Climate Change Report: ‘I Don’t Believe It’.” BBC News, BBC, 26 Nov. 2018, www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46351940.