Spring 2023 Science and Public Policy BC3334 section 001

SCIENCE, STATE POWER, ETHICS

SCIENCE STATE POWER ETHICS

Call Number 00786
Day & Time
Location
W 10:10am-12:00pm
306 Milbank Hall (Barnard)
Points 4
Grading Mode Standard
Approvals Required None
Instructor Timothy J Halpin-Healy
Type SEMINAR
Course Description

A comparative study of science in the service of the State in the U.S., the former Soviet Union, Fascist Italy, and Nazi Germany during pivotal periods through the first half of the 20th century. Topics to be covered include the political and moral consequences of policies based upon advances in the natural sciences making possible the development of TNT, nerve gas, uranium fission and hydrogen fusion atomic bombs. Considers the tensions involved in balancing scientific imperatives, patriotic commitment to the nation-state, and universal moral principles and tensions faced by Robert Oppenheimer, Andrei Sakharov, Neils Bohr and Werner Heisenberg. Selected readings include: Michael Frayn's play Copenhagen, Hitler's Uranium Club by Jeremy Bernstein, Brecht's Galileo, John McPhee's The Curve of Binding Energy, Richard Rhodes' The Making of the Atomic Bomb.

Web Site Vergil
Department Science and Public Policy @Barnard
Enrollment 7 students (10 max) as of 9:05PM Thursday, March 28, 2024
Subject Science and Public Policy
Number BC3334
Section 001
Division Barnard College
Campus Barnard College
Note Preference to Jr & Sr SCPP minors. Must attend 1st class.
Section key 20231SCPP3334X001