Interface of Humanities and Sciences / Technology Cluster
This key area of mutual collaboration emerged from Mellon planning-grant conversations and is grounded in Cornell's established program in Science and Technology Studies, Rochester's deep commitments to medical sciences and engineering, and Syracuse's investments in ethics.
This working group is interested in the interface between diverse cultures and their perceptions of the sciences, and hopes to study these issues in a variety of ways. For example, faculty might explore the ways in which culture and religion affect the place of science in the way people view the world, or the ways in which scientific imagery and rhetoric pervade our culture and are used for educative, commercial, and political purposes. Additionally, the group might examine humanistic perspectives on infectious disease and the interactions of science, pharmaceutical technology, public health, and personal liberty.
This cluster affords significant scholarly opportunities that span many units across the three universities with great potential for connecting a series of high-quality faculty groups. These interdisciplinary sites between Humanities and Science also represent a high strategic priority for the institutions. Cornell is investing in its New Life Sciences Initiative. Rochester's new president announced this autumn, in his inaugural activities, an institutional priority for expansion in the life and medical sciences and in engineering.
At Syracuse, groundbreaking for a new Life Sciences Complex will take place in April, 2006. Additionally, for five years Syracuse has been implementing a major initiative in cell signaling that Chancellor Cantor recognizes as one of her highest university-wide priorities. The Humanities have much to say about these initiatives, and this cluster provides one key approach to those university-wide needs. |
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Samuel Gorovitz
Professor
Philosophy
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