19783 - “Controversial” Science: Earth’s Ancient Age, Biological (Darwinian) Evolution, and Human Caused Climate Change

Course Overview

Why would science be controversial? Major theories in the Earth and Biological Sciences have been under attack by several organizations, and politicians. Opposition to “Old Earth” and biological evolution primarily by religious fundamentalists have their roots in the 19th century. New strategies to undercut support for these areas of science have gained traction due to increasing corporate and political support. Astonishingly, the Trump Administration has removed “climate change” from use in federal agencies (e.g., NSF, NOAA, USGS). Join us for an examination of where these attitudes originated and in the 21st century, what drives the increasing political polarization of Americans’ attitudes regarding the legitimacy of science.