The History of Natural Science
and Its Impact on Human Welfare
Instructor: T. Glen Lawson
Thursdays • 8 classes • 9/26-11/14 • 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Class size 5-20 students
12 seats remaining
Location: Jewett 293
This course examines the historical development of natural science. The evolution of the current practice for doing science is traced from its traditional origins in ancient Greek natural philosophy through to the present. Among the questions addressed along the way are: What is science? Why was the modern method for doing science built almost exclusively from a European foundation? How reliable is scientifically acquired knowledge? What are the interests that determine which questions science pursues? How do the products of science effect the welfare of human populations? This last question will be examined through the selected case studies of gene manipulation in agriculture, chemical synthesis and plastics, and viral infections and vaccines.
T. Glen Lawson received a BA in chemistry and biology from Anderson University and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Purdue University. He taught chemistry and biochemistry at Bates college for 33 years, along with courses on the intersections of natural science with society and culture. Over the years, he has conducted laboratory research in biochemistry and molecular virology at several different institutions, and he is currently researching and writing about the history of science and its impact on human welfare. Outside of his scholarship, he enjoys spending time with his spouse and pet house bunnies. He is also an avid hiker and camper, volunteers with a wilderness search and rescue team, and participates in a curling club.