Science continues to change how we interact with our environment and each other. From the theoretical to the proven and practical, science is everywhere in our daily lives. But do we really understand the relationship between science and the world around us?
This weekend, Western University’s Rotman Institute of Philosophy will host some of the world’s most prominent thinkers at the first annual Rotman Conference to discuss the credibility of scientific predictions and explanations, how we can do better science, and the future role of science in our society.
“In a modern world where we can travel the globe in hours, connect with one another from wherever we are, achieve remarkable advances in healthcare and physically explore our universe, it is easy to take science for granted,” said Carl Hoefer, the new Director of the Rotman Institute of Philosophy. “But it is essential that we stand back and take a hard look at the implications of our science and question its role in how we understand our surroundings.”
Under the theme Science and Reality, an international panel of leading philosophers of science whose work has set the standards in many debates will tackle a host of philosophical questions pursued by philosophers and scientists for centuries, attempting to get at the core of the various sciences.
The 2013 Rotman Conference takes place on Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 at the Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre in London, Ontario.
A free public lecture will take place on October 4, 2013 at 7pm as Paul Kennedy, host of CBC Radio’s Ideas hosts an evening with Harvard University’s Naomi Oreskes, co-author of the award-winning book Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Trust on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming. This lecture will also be streamed live online at www.rotman.uwo.ca.
More information on the 2013 Rotman Conference, including a list of speakers and registration forms is available at www.rotman.uwo.ca/science-and-reality/  Advanced registration is required to attend the event.
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephen Ledgley, Senior Media Relations Officer, Western University, 519-661-2111 ext. 85283, sledgley@uwo.ca.
ABOUT ROTMAN INSTITUTE OF PHILOSOPHY
The Rotman Institute of Philosophy at Western University brings together philosophers and scientists to examine some of the most complex issues and most engrossing problems emerging from contemporary science. Members of the Rotman Institute include scholars who work on history and the philosophy of science, research ethics, bioethics, science and values, and feminist approaches to science. They come together in a unique collaborative workspace to engage, explore and exchange ideas.
ABOUT WESTERN
Western delivers an academic experience second to none. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community.
