two-cultures
The divide between scientific elites and the majority who are less scientifically literate, impacting public understanding and engagement with science.
2 chapters across 1 book
What Should We Be Worried About: Real Scenarios That Keep Scientists Up at Night (2013)John Brockman
The chapter explores the intersection of sociopolitical forces and science, emphasizing the widening divide between scientific elites and the general public. It critically examines common fears about war, resource scarcity, climate change, and technology, arguing that psychological and ideological factors such as narcissistic leadership, groupism, and utopian ideologies pose greater risks to global peace than physical resources or advanced weaponry. The chapter also highlights the importance of cultural values and institutions in maintaining peace and warns of their potential erosion.
This chapter explores the enduring divide between the sciences and humanities, as originally described by C. P. Snow, through the lens of contemporary debates such as the nature-nurture discussion in sex differences and the sociopolitical influences on scientific inquiry. Simon Baron-Cohen highlights the complex interplay between biology and culture in human behavior and worries about persistent polarization in academic attitudes toward biological contributions. Nicholas Christakis emphasizes the risks of political interference in science, while Leo Chalupa illustrates widespread scientific illiteracy even among educated individuals, underscoring the growing gap between scientific elites and the general public.