Images of Science
Science has a firmly entrenched image as isolated ivory tower. From their airy fortresses scientists appear to gaze upon the world sometimes hardly aware of the social questions their work arouses. No matter the persistent image, reality is different. Ever more scientists are realising only too well their tower is part of a world that affects them too, and are increasingly sensitive to the social consequences of their work.
Scientists are indeed receptive to the Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (often known as ELSI) related to or resulting from their activities. But how exactly do they respond? Is interaction between science and society across the various disciplines equally strong? Why have ELSI been attracting more attention over recent years? And what exactly is the role of religion and ideology in all of this?
These and other questions on the relationship between science and society are to be reviewed and discussed at the international conference Images of Science - New Interactions between Science and Society to be organised by the Rathenau Institute, the Social Sciences Council and the All European Academies of Science (ALLEA) in Amsterdam on 6 and 7 December 2004.
The conference is intended for scientists, politicians, policymakers and other parties interested from European Union states. In plenary sessions and workshops participants will receive an overview of developments over the past 15 years and a fresh look direction future. Attention will be dedicated to experts’ ideas, but (relative) outsiders too will be able to contribute their opinions.
Images of Science is part of a series of events organised during the Netherlands' European Union presidency under the theme of The European Knowledge Society. This conference is realised with the support of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
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