This lecture series features distinguished scholars and researchers sharing their work, how they arrived at their conclusions, and why their work might be significant.


Scientific knowledge
is often taken to be the paradigm for knowledge and it informs almost every aspect of our lives. Yet, history shows us that science is not infallible. Science often involves uncertainties, conflicting interpretations of evidence, methodological limitations and tradeoffs, and sometimes a bit of luck! 

It is important to understand how science works, why disagreements exist, and why certain scientific practices and methodologies are reliable or trustworthy. 

Because science is a process where new evidence is continually generated and hypotheses can be revised, it is important for us, as members of the public, to understand both how science works and why it matters so that we can critically evaluate what to believe and what policies to support.  

Speakers

 
James Hansen

James Hansen

Emeritus Professor of History at Auburn University

Thursday, October 14, 2021 via WebEx

Truth, Lies and O-Rings: Inside the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster

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Sarah JohnsonCarol Cleland

Sarah Johnson

Associate Professor of Planetary Science, Georgetown University

Carol Cleland

Professor of Philosopy and Director of the Center for the Study of Origins, University of Colorado, Boulder

Wednesday, February 21, 2021 via WebEx

The Search for Life on Mars

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Charles Falco

Charles M. Falco

Emeritus Professor, College of Optical Sciences and Department of Physics, University of Arizona, Tucson

Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Hager Auditorium, Museum of the Rockies

The Science of Optics: The History of Art

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Kate Brown

Kate Brown

Professor of History, Science, Technology and Society Department, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Thursday, February 6, 2020
Hager Auditorium, Museum of the Rockies

The Great Chernobyl Acceleration

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Watch Recordings of Previous Lectures

Recordings of past Science Matters lectures can be accessed here.

Contact

Yves Idzerda, Dean, College of Letters and Science, idzerda@physics.montana.edu, 406-994-4288

Michelle Miley, Associate Dean, College of Letters and Science, michelle.miley@montana.edu, 406-994-6770