Student-Faculty Dinner Discussion, The Physics of Politics – Andrew Zwicker

Speaker: Andrew Zwicker, physicist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and member of the NJ General Assembly

The astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson once said, “The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it.” Of course, in politics things are not that simple. An anti-science attitude is prevalent among some members of Congress and the general public. What role should scientists play in politics at all levels of government? Do we have any more of an obligation to participate in the political process than others? While technical issues are clearly within the natural purview of a scientist/politician, is a science background equally as valuable when dealing with the economy, education, environment or other issues? In this talk, Zwicker offered his perspective informed by his experience as both a physicist and a member of the New Jersey General Assembly.

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Student-Faculty Dinner Discussion, The Physics of Politics – Andrew Zwicker

Event Date

Mon, Oct 16, 2017 ・ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location

Prospect House, Room E

Category

Department

body of water shaped as top half of a globe hahaha

Speaker: Andrew Zwicker, physicist at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and member of the NJ General Assembly

The astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson once said, “The good thing about science is that it’s true whether or not you believe in it.” Of course, in politics things are not that simple. An anti-science attitude is prevalent among some members of Congress and the general public. What role should scientists play in politics at all levels of government? Do we have any more of an obligation to participate in the political process than others? While technical issues are clearly within the natural purview of a scientist/politician, is a science background equally as valuable when dealing with the economy, education, environment or other issues? In this talk, Zwicker offered his perspective informed by his experience as both a physicist and a member of the New Jersey General Assembly.