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There is increasing concern that the American public’s faith in “science” has declined in recent years. Some people point to the public health experience around COVID-19; others to the divisive political climate and some parties’ disparaging comments about “settled” scientific principles; still others fault our education system.

So that’ll be the subject for October 6:

• How well does the American public understand the scientific method? Do they understand the process, strengths, and weaknesses?
• Has trust in science really deteriorated over the last decade?
  • If so, what’s “driving” this?
  • How can it be addressed?
• Do scientists need to change the way they communicate with the public? Or is there a significant role for intermediaries who “interpret” scientific results for “civilians?”
• Can the way we currently “operationalize” science (among scientists) be improved? What, if anything, is wrong with the current system? For example:
  • Is the “peer review” process working as it should?
  • Are scientists incentivized to study the “right” things from a societal perspective?
  • Is there a bias in favor is searching for incremental (and less risky) findings vs. risky fundamental research?

Here’s a recent OpEd piece on (sort of) the subject, entitled “Why Young Men Are Losing Faith in Science.”

The war in Gaza has been more brutal, prolonged, and broad-based than almost anyone could have imagined. And, so far, there appear to be no “winners”–only losers.

On Monday we’ll discuss Gaza through a somewhat different lens: With the benefit of hindsight–at least to date:

• How can a repeat of this war, in some other geography, amongst different combatants, be avoided?
  • Is the U.N. capable of averting another war or, at least, minimizing civilian casualties? Or is it a paper tiger?
  • Have there been any clear “mistakes” by the international community or by major players on the international scene (like the U.S., China, and Europe)?
• Are any of the ideas put forth above realistic, or are they just wishful thinking?
• How are the dynamics in Gaza different from, for example, Sudan?

if we continue to talk about this on Monday, here are a couple of links to recent articles:

1. What does international law say about the legitimacy of Israel’s attack on Iran? Here’s a link to an article in the 20 June edition of The New York Times analyzing the legality of Israel’s attack on Iran, and of the legality of the potential participation of the US in that attack.
2. What are the potential risk to the US if it participates in the attack on Iran? Here’s a link to an article in the 18 June edition of The New York Times describing some of those risks.
3. Here’s a link to an article in The 18 June edition of Politico with brief statements by a variety of people (including Dennis Ross and Ryan Crocker) describing their views of the risks to the US from its potentianal participation in this war.