GENED 1214: Solving Genuinely Hard Problems in Science

What can we do, as a society, to help make progress on solving the hardest problems in science?

Tuesday and Thursday - 10:30-11:45 AM with Professors Peter L. Galison, Jeff W. Lichtman, and Logan McCarty

Some scientific problems have resisted progress despite decades of effort from the scientific community. This course explores first, why some problems are so hard, and second, whether the structure of the scientific enterprise can be modified to accelerate solutions to profound scientific challenges. By studying both examples of solved problems, such as Einstein’s theories of relativity, and those that still vex us today, such as the biophysical underpinnings of various mental disorders, we hope to give students familiarity with the key issues that shape the future of science. For example, should we, as a society, set priorities for scientific research? What can be done to promote creative thinking in science? How can we entice the most talented young people to work on the most challenging problems? And how do the social structures of science advance (or hinder) progress on genuinely hard problems?