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In an age of cynicism and disbelief in scientific evidence, what would happen if a new vaccine emerged to eradicate a plague that was killing thousands? Would some people refuse to be vaccinated? Today in The Conversation Canada, J.M. Opal of McGill University and Steven Opal of Brown University look back at how humankind pulled together to eliminate smallpox. Would the same thing happen today?
In another article that looks at how the rise of populist politics has often been at the expense of scientific thinking, David Chandross of Ryerson University connects the success of Donald Trump, Ontario Premier Doug Ford and controversial academic Jordan Peterson to this “new skepticism” and the critique of postmodernism.
And finally…religious leaders have recently spoken out about corporate greed and the growing inequity of income that exists in many countries. Laurence Ashworth of Queen’s University examines why there is often such a negative view of businesses and profits.
Regards,
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In this April 14, 1947 file photo, a long line winds toward the entrance to Morrisania Hospital in the Bronx borough of New York, where doctors were vaccinating against smallpox. In an attempt to halt the spread of the disease, officials said city residents were being vaccinated at the rate of eight a minute.
(AP Photo/File)
Steven M Opal, Brown University; J.M. Opal, McGill University
Humans have shown that together we can overcome daunting problems, including deadly pathogens like smallpox. It is a lesson of international cooperation and respect that we should pay attention to.
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Participants in the March for Science, marching on Constitution Ave. in Washington, D.C. in April 2017 after listening to speakers at Washington Monument on a rainy Saturday Earth Day.
Shutterstock
David Chandross, Ryerson University
Rationality is the newest casualty of populist philosophy.
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Do you distrust the companies that profit from the goods and services you buy? Research suggests most of us do.
(Shutterstock)
Laurence Ashworth, Queen's University, Ontario
Research shows that consumers don't like it when businesses make money. Why?
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Culture + Society
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George Ogola, University of Central Lancashire
Internet taxes could stifle Africa's free and vibrant social media.
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Politics
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Anthony Ware, Deakin University; Costas Laoutides, Deakin University
Facing increasing international pressure, Myanmar's one-time star leader is running out of time to show leadership on human rights and the Rohingya crisis.
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Science + Technology
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Andrew Norton, The Open University
A moon has been spotted in a star system 4000 light years away – but its structure is confusing.
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