|
ATHENS, Ohio - Modern science brings daily breathtaking advances, but those same
breakthroughs often raise thorny ethical questions. This summer, Ohio University's Institute
for Applied Professional Ethics is aiming to bring a deeper philosophical dimension to
science by launching a four-day ethics program for high school science teachers.
The program, "Making Science Right," will provide participating teachers the
opportunity to learn basic theoretical concepts and skills, hone them on a few practical
examples and then create content and forge materials tailored to their own particular
goals and needs.
"Instruction in ethical issues and decision making is often divorced from instruction
in scientific methods and principles," said program organizer Arthur Zucker, associate
professor of philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences."Most high school students,
even those with excellent grades, graduate without a grasp of the ethical and social
forces that shape science and its uses. 'Making Science Right' will help regional high
school science teachers add an ethical dimension to their current curriculum."
The primary goal is to provide guidance to science teachers as they help students
recognize the values inherent in science as well as the moral and social implications
of scientific endeavors.
"Our ultimate goal is to help science students understand the relationship between
science and values," Zucker said. "We hope this leads to not only a greater philosophical
depth, but also a greater enthusiasm for learning about science."
The four-day program includes three academic credits from Ohio University, food and
lodging for a cost of roughly $300. Teachers interested in participating in the program
should contact Arthur Zucker at (740)-593-4596. |