Benediktson Lecture focuses on science in a troubled world Science is an integral part of the culture of all developed countries and many developing ones. It is one of our most creative activities. Two trends are worrisome: science has come under assault in the United States; and a partial cause for the assault could be a low level of science literacy. In a democracy, where citizens have the responsibility to decide major issues, and in a culture where nearly every issue has a scientific component, these trends need to be reversed. George Seielstad, Director of Northern Great Plains Center for People and the Environment at the University, will discuss what science is and how it is conducted on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 4 p.m., in Clifford Hall Auditorium, room 210. The presentation will be webcast live at www.umac.org. Dr. Seielstad will also present how science’s core values have universal applicability that every modern society should accept. In particular, the process by which science advances, if used in other arenas of society, might offer an alternative means of dispute resolution than forced coercion. Some changes in the ways of science will be suggested. A major question is what will science do? Will it alleviate global humanitarian concerns, or will it deliver more and more, better and better, to fewer and fewer wealthy people? The presentation is part of the Benediktson Lecture Series, named for Oliver Benediktson, a UND alumnus who generously endowed a Chair of Astrophysics. Dr. Seielstad is the first recipient of the Benediktson Chair. In appreciation, he is presenting public lectures on the wonders of science. The talk is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served prior to the presentation at 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact me. -- Karen Katrinak at 777.2482, or, katrinak@aero.und.edu.