For immediate release
May 14, 2008
- Is there a culture war between science, secular values, and religion?
- Does controversy about creationism and evolution promote or discourage public interest in science?
- How should such controversies be best handled in science classrooms, if at all?
- Is it necessary for the public to be science literate?
- What role should science and scientists play in public policy?
- How are democracy, science, and secularism related?
Leading scholars in science education, policy studies, evolutionary biology, sociology of science, philosophy, survey research, and ethics address these and related questions in Secularism and Science in the 21st Century, just published by the Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture (ISSSC), Trinity College. It emerged from a conference on "Science, Education and Secular Values" held at ISSSC in May, 2007.
The volume's contributors, including Jeffrey Burkhardt, William Cobern, Austin Dacey, Jon Miller, and Robert Pennock, offer clear thinking and practical advice about:
- Mediating the battle over evolution and creationism;
- Strategies for teaching science in a contentions environment;
- Global economic and public policy implications of science literacy.
Secularism and Science in the 21st Century is a valuable resource and a touchstone for serious consideration of the challenges that face science educators, policymakers, students, and concerned citizens alike.
Review copies for the media or academic publications are available on request. For information on single copy purchases ($10) or multiple copy discounts contact Sara Howe at 860-297-2381 or Sara.Howe@trincoll.edu
Individual chapters may be browsed on-line at www.trincoll.edu/secularisminstitute.Contact: Barry Kosmin
860-297-2388
Barry.Kosmin@trincoll.edu
