Can Science be Trusted?

media release: The beneficial impacts of science for individual and societal well-being over the last 100 years are unparalleled by any other human endeavor. Science has revolutionized our understanding of the world (and beyond) and provided for extraordinary advances in human well-being (e.g., nutrition, health, technology).

In recent years, however, science has become entrapped in a vortex of denialism, political polarization, and cultural tribalism - with profound consequences.

In this series of mini-lectures, Dr. Lindroth will provide an overview of the nature of science, science denialism, and why science has become politically and culturally polarized. He will explore the idolatry of identity - why people sacrifice truth to secure belonging. Finally, Dr. Lindroth will consider how to improve science communication across ideological and cultural divides, for the betterment of humanity and the sake of the world.

Friday Night Lectures feature three short and engaging talks woven together with live Q&A, brief intermissions, and time for conversation. Join us for a warm, welcoming atmosphere and meaningful reflection on compelling questions within the Christian tradition. The night will begin with complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres at 6:00 p.m., followed by our program at 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Rick Lindroth is a distinguished dellow of The Lumen Center and a distinguished achievement professor (emeritus) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he also served as associate dean for research. Dr. Lindroth was a recipient of the Hilldale Award in Biological Sciences and is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the Ecological Society of America, and the Entomological Society of America. He served as an editor for four science journals and on advisory panels for national and international research agencies. Dr. Lindroth and his research team published ~250 scientific articles and chapters on a wide range of ecological topics. 

Currently, Dr. Lindroth speaks and writes to public and faith-based groups about environmental stewardship, climate change, biodiversity, and science denialism/communication.