2017 Mitchell Lecture on Sustainability: Facts versus Values: How can we make better decisions?
Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 1pm
Hauck Auditorium, University of Maine
Keynote Speaker: Thomas Dietz, Michigan State University
The 21st century will see unprecedented transformations in human life and vast changes on planet Earth. Key among these are the problems of sustainability, but emerging technologies − especially the intersection of nano, bio, information and cognitive technologies − also have the potential to reshape human life. These challenges will require difficult decisions based on both science and our values. There seems to be a broad consensus that we should improve human well-being while protecting the environment, but research shows that there are many obstacles to good decision making by individuals, organizations and government. How can we do better? While the obstacles we face are formidable, research on decision making provides ideas on how we can move forward to make decisions that better reflect both the facts and our values.