REASON & EDUCATION VILIFIED?

We live in a time when it seems plausible to vilify reason, education, research, and science. They are mistrusted and accused of not being able to relate to the "real world." I wonder? Is it easier to vilify new questions and findings rather than understand the challenges of our changing world? I may soon learn the answer.

I am planning a series for Washington University's College, of Arts and Sciences, Life Long Learning Institute on "The Politics and Science of Environmental Policy." The speakers who will help us consider some of those challenges are listed below.

ROBERT A POLLAK*,"Genetics and Endangered Species";
ANDREW R REHFELD*,"The 'Public Good' And The Environment";
DEBORAH CHOLLET FRANK, MO Botanical Garden,"Sustainability in The Garden";
BRUCE MORRISON,Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, "Protecting Flood Plains: Using the Courts"; BILLY HANDMAKER,Crossroads College Preparatory School, "Converting to The Green School"; LOIS SECHRIST, Sechrist Sustainable Consulting, "Introduction to Sustainability"; RABBI MARK FASMAN, Shaare Zedek Synagogue, "Judaism and Ecology"; DIANE B HERNDON, Monsanto Environmental Program, "Growing Food Sustainably: The Monsanto Challenge";
ALAN R TEMPLETON*, "Relating Human Genome to Endangered Species"; BROTHER MAURICE LANE, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Help, "Religious Environmental Advocacy."

*Washington University in St. Louis, College of Arts and Sciences.