Science Vs the Rest of the World

Available for over a year

Science Vs the Rest of the World In a special programme recorded at this year's Hay festival, Quentin Cooper asks three leading scientific thinkers what happens when the frontiers of science come up against the realms of politics, religion and public opinion. Science is always pushing into disputed territory, such as the recent Parliamentary debates over human-animal embryos or the ongoing arguments over climate change. But when the different states of mind meet, where does the line get drawn? Is it the case that, when scientists propose unexpected or unwanted theories, they're dismissed as being unable to see the broader picture? Or, after disagreements and delays, does science eventually just march on restricted only by what is possible? To discuss these issues are Steve Jones, Professor of Genetics at University College London, science writer Philip Ball and the Government's former Chief Scientific Advisor, Professor Sir David King.