Historians debate whether war is essentially destructive or constructive for the development of science. Certainly both world wars used scientists and science – with ever more destructive results. As for science, the result was the largest cooperative groups of scientists in history, something that is now labelled as Big Science.
Countries: CA
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Myths of Aging
We all have ideas of what aging means. Most people think of aging as a negative thing in which we lose our memory, our sight and our hearing. Most of the time aging means we can’t get around, we can’t sleep and sex isn’t even a possibility. Many of these common ideas are myths and there are many things we can do to avoid and reduce these common myths of aging.
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What is Science?
What are the underlying assumptions, good and bad, we have about science and scientists? What is the relationship between science and technology, science and religion, science and society? This program gets to the roots of what science is.
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Use It or Lose It
Heart disease, cancer, arthritis and osteoporosis – are these diseases preventable? Many experts believe so. If someone has a chronic illness what can be done to improve their quality of life? What can baby boomers do to support their parents who are living with these conditions? Focusing on people who have chronic illnesses and addressing current knowledge about chronic illnesses as well as how people with these illnesses continue to live successfully.
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Why the Greeks?
Why did the thinkers and society of pre-Christian Era Greece have such a profound effect on the development of rational thought and “scientific” reasoning? Why does the name Aristotle still ring down through the ages although his work is now over 2,500 years old? This program will talk about the interconnection between an ordered, somewhat democratic, and highly competitive society, and the development of rules of nature, separate from the workings of the gods.
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Attitude is Everything
Keeping a healthy outlook on life is critical as we age. By using current research and personal stories, this program will focus on the importance of family, friends and the support systems we need as we age. At this stage of our lives and our parents’ lives, a sense of loss is normal. Friends and family die, and on top of the emotional turmoil, other monumental changes can occur. Dramatic changes in health, housing and income can also have significant impacts on our mental well-being. How do we cope with these losses and how do we support loved ones going through challenging times?
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The Great Bazaar of Science
The importance of Arabic thinkers has long been overlooked, and considered merely as an interlude and repository for Greek and Roman knowledge, but such scholars as Al-Hazen made major contributions to scientific development. Has the history of science been appropriated by the Euro-Centric view?
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Science in the Renaissance
Using Galileo as an example, this program delves into the ongoing relationship between science and power, and how first the Church, then the nobility and now the state and commerce, drives the direction and value of scientific research.
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Singularity University
Singularity University aims to “assemble, educate and inspire a cadre of leaders who strive to understand and facilitate the development of exponentially advancing technologies.”