In this episode, Rob and Don explore the ways that science is presented in popular culture, for better and worse. Along the way they discuss what science is, how our views of it have shaped society (and how our society has shaped science), and the shifting view of science in the United States. All this, and statistics on who is more scientifically literate republicans or democrats (the answer may surprise you), is waiting for you in this episode of The Department of Nerdly Affairs.
Closing Music:
Ode to Joy performed by Oliver Eckelt
Things Discussed:
Edward Bernays (or this link.)
Terrorists Take Action Figure Hostage
The Movie Titanic Changed the Constellations
Startalk Podcast
Dr. Stone
Shonen JUMP
MacGyver
The Deadly London Fog
PEW Research Poll on the Public and Science
Granny Weatherwax
RE: Edward Bernays, I just wanted to point out that I read through the Wikipedia article here, and all I could find was a statement that Bernays mentioned (bragged, you might say) in his autobiography that Goebbels had read and used his work.
It states separately in the Wikipedia article that Bernays is on the record for having refused to work for the Nazis (presumably when they attempted to hire him).
Thanks for bringing this guy up again. I’m going down a rabbit hole now…
He’s an interesting character. I keep referring to him as “Mr Burns,” which isn’t entirely fair (OR entirely unfair….) but he’s more complicated than that. He seems to be one of those scientists that are concerned entirely with their works, and not necessarily how they’re used. (Sort of like Wernher von Braun.)
Don C.