Integrating Science with Society: Proceedings of the National Conference on "Integrating Science with Society" 15-16 December, 2018, Jadavpur University, Kolkata

by Breakthrough Science Society (BSS)

This book brings to the reader the addresses of the speakers at the two-day National Conference on `Integrating Science with Society' organized by the Breakthrough Science Society (BSS) at Gandhi Bhavan, Jadavpur University, Kolkata on December 15 and 16, 2018. The conference was organized with a definite objective. Even though science is formally taught in schools, colleges, and universities, a rational and scientific way of thinking has not percolated into the social psyche of the country. People still harbour innumerable superstitious beliefs. In recent times it is observed that fringe groups are actively propagating various shades of irrational unscientific beliefs and superstitions, and they are finding takers because the education system has conditioned peoples' minds to believe and not to question. There is thus a disconnect between science and society. In this situation it becomes a bounden duty of the scientific community to actively engage with society at large. But how do we do that? What is the correct philosophical approach to help develop scientific temper? What are the characteristic features of a scientific bent of mind as opposed to an unscientific one? How should the education system be moulded so that it helps develop a scientific bent of mind among students? What should be the role of scientists in society? How do we deal with the disturbing trend of unethical practices in science? There was a necessity to discuss these issues that are the essential elements in the integration of science with society. We organized the conference with the specific objective of providing a forum for discussion among practising scientists on these issues.

147 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2020