Natural Science 386I - New Ways of Knowing

If Science is not purely objective and art not just for "Art's sake" what are we to do? From energy systems, to economic crises, to protection against terrorists; from supplying new food organisms, to drone warfare in the Middle East, to exploring meaning with all kinds of creative human endeavors, our modern society turns to the arts & sciences for solutions. But the sciences also proliferate side effects -- ranging from toxic military pollution, through unforeseen biological disruption, to global warming and political backlash. Do we need "new ways of knowing" to address the personal/political problem of combining disciplinary excellence for social good? Participants study reconstructive knowledge and APPLY it to their own work. We will together develop the reading list, and update it: we read the instructor's two books and those of Foucault, Keller, etc., to help reconstruct what we each DO as knowledge workers -- our projects, concentrations and theses. The real-world efforts at The Institute for Science and Interdisciplinary Study help launch discussion of our own work. This course has remarkable effects on divisional work, graduate school, even professional lives beyond. Opportunity to help Update course readings, including the newer Institute effort towards compassionate knowledge will occur in Fall'19 as preparation.

Independent Work In general students will spend 6-8 hours of work per week outside of classtime.