read the following:
-Edwards, Paul. A Vast Machine: Computer Models, Climate Data, and the Politics of Global Warming (2010) Cambridge. Chapter 8 -- particularly pages 207-2015.
-Paul J. Crutzen, "Geology of Mankind," Nature 415 (2002): 23. (Both readings available on Blackboard)
Please watch the following:
President Eisenhower's Farewell Address (Available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OyBNmecVtdU )
The success of the Manhattan Project ushered in a brand new age in global history: The Nuclear Age. Fraught with numerous dangers but also with unknown possibilities, the legacies of the Manhattan project remain with us to this day. By the turn of the century, questions arose about how far-reaching these legacies are -- prompting some to suggest that we have entered a new geological epoch propositionally titled the Anthropocene. In a well-written, 300-400 word essay (feel free to exceed that amount if you have more to say), please address the following points:
- Following the conclusion of World War II, the United States under direction of the Eisenhower Administration launched the "Atoms for Peace" program. Briefly describe the intended purpose of the program and identify at least two (2) lasting legacies of the program.
- In his Farewell Address, then-President Dwight Eisenhower states that "The free university, historically the fountainhead of free ideas and scientific discovery, has experienced a revolution in the conduct of research. Partly because of the huge costs involved, a government contract becomes virtually a substitute for intellectual curiosity." Throughout this course, we have examined several instances where university research has been shaped and directed by government and industry patronage. Can you identify an example of where this has occurred at Drexel -- or any other university for that matter?
- According to Paul Edwards, how did the need to monitor radioactive fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests result in the discovery of anthropogenic (that is, human caused) climate change?
- Opinion question (no right or wrong answer): In his brief essay, "Geology of Mankind," Paul Crutzen offers an argument that we have entered into a new geological epoch -- the Anthropocene. Do you agree with his argument? Provide reasons explaining why you agree or disagree.