FWS: Physics in Dispute: Exploring Knowledge, Justice, and Disagreement in Science

3.0 credits · Undergraduate

Does the Sun orbit the Earth, or vice versa? Is nuclear energy safe? Should we build the Future Circular Collider to study subatomic particles? In physics, how do we distinguish between competing theories, and how do we decide how to apply such ideas to solve societal problems? In this course, you will have the opportunity to step into key disagreements and public communication in the historical and contemporary discourse of physics. Writing assignments will include opinion pieces, letters to the editor, podcast scripts, and a “Meeting of the Minds” symposium. The only prerequisites for this course are a willingness to listen and disagree with an open mind.