Bridging the Gap: Bringing Science to the Public Imagination

This episode is about the importance of supporting public access to science and helping experts and scientists in their work. Dr. Nicholas B. Dirks, joins host Adam Gamwell to discuss the work of the New York Academy of Sciences, which emphasizes the importance of science and the need for public engagement. Together, we highlight the changing relationship between science and broader society over time and the misconception of science as a singular established truth. The episode also explores challenges in communicating the nature of scientific discovery, addressing public skepticism towards scientific messages, and the role of science in addressing climate change and technological advancements. Dirks emphasizes the need to support and connect science across disciplines and engage with the public effectively. Additionally, the episode touches on the tension between liberal arts and public policy, the importance of public awareness in scientific thinking, uncertainty and trust in the scientific process, the role of paradigm shifts in science, and the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.Nicholas B. DirksNicholas B. Dirks is an internationally renowned historian and anthropologist who has made significant contributions as a scholar of South Asia and colonialism. He served as the 10th Chancellor of UC Berkeley from 2012 to 2017, where he strengthened research partnerships, increased accessibility for underrepresented students, and addressed critical issues like sexual harassment. Previously, Dirks was Executive Vice President and Dean of Faculty at Columbia, overseeing faculty growth and interdisciplinary initiatives. He has authored several acclaimed books on history and anthropology, including The Hollow Crown and Castes of Mind, and received honors including a Guggenheim Fellowship and MacArthur Fellowship. Through his academic leadership, research, and writing, Dirks has advanced scholarship on colonialism and made an impact as a public intellectual and leader in higher education. Key Topics of this Podcast:00:08:37 Science is a process of discovery and revision.00:10:28 Science and public engagement are crucial.00:15:11. Science is a zigzagging process.00:18:47 Science is a process of testing and experimentation.00:24:43 Science is a human activity.00:28:44 Publication bias in scientific research.00:33:14 Diverse scientific community fosters progress.00:38:17 Prepare for future disasters.00:44:13 Building trust in public conversations.00:48:16 Ethical obligations in AI development.00:53:39 Bilingualism between science and arts.00:58:30 Supporting science with broader understanding.01:03:53 Anthropology encompasses diverse disciplines.Connect with Nicholas B. Dirks:Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickdirks?s=20 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-dirks-84a1ab149/ Website: https://www.nicholasbdirks.com/ Connect with This Anthro Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisanthrolife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thisanthrolife LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-anthro-life-podcast/ This Anthro Life website:

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This Anthro Life is the premiere go-to Anthropology Podcast that fuses human insights with cultural storytelling. We equip you with a deep understanding of the human experience to revolutionize your decision-making strategies and social impact. Head over to https://www.thisanthrolife.org to learn more. Spearheaded by acclaimed Anthropologist Dr. Adam Gamwell, This Anthro Life equips leaders, individuals, and organizations to shape a more compassionate future. We aim to broaden perspectives and fortify decision-making skills by fostering a profound understanding of culture coupled with the transformative power of storytelling. With curated conversations and thought-provoking discussions featuring humanity's top makers and minds, prepare to have your perspective transformed. This Anthro Life delves into various facets of human society—from examining the complexities of cultural identity to understanding the influence of technology on our everyday lives.🌍 Change Your PerspectiveExplore the complexities of life in a simple and engaging way. From AI and robotics revolutionizing the nature of work to emojis changing how we communicate, we delve into the forces shaping our world. No topic is off-limits—fossil fuels and their impact on our planet, the race to find alternative energy solutions, and so much more.🎙️ Captivating ConversationsGo beyond surface-level discussions with deep dives into fascinating topics. Dr. Adam Gamwell's interviews are thought-provoking, enlightening, and always entertaining. Carefully crafted questions ensure engaging conversations that are free from jargon, making them accessible to listeners of all backgrounds.✨ Key TakeawaysGain valuable insights from each episode that you can apply to your own life. Discussing wisdom gained from the edges of society, we extract impactful quotes and actionable ideas from our guests. Expand your horizons and develop a fresh perspective on the challenges we face as individuals and as a global community.🔊 Join the Community on SubstackSubscribe to "This Anthro Life" now for a weekly dose of eye-opening conversations. Share the podcast with friends and family who crave intellectual stimulation and diverse discussions. Be a part of the movement to change how we approach design, culture, business, and technology. Beyond offering an engaging outlook on human experiences, This Anthro Life lends its anthropological expertise to businesses, organizations, and individuals. We help them navigate challenges with effective communication techniques and innovative problem-solving strategies rooted in a nuanced understanding of human behavior and social structures. Get in touch.Join us on this captivating voyage of storytelling at the crossroads of culture, design, technology and business. We're excited to collaborate with you in shaping a more compassionate world through an enriched narrative of the human experience. Experience breakthrough perspectives on human experiences and come away equipped to make enriched decisions that contribute positively to your sphere. Join us as we shape a more connected, hopeful narrative - one human story at a time.