Conversations at the Intersection of Science and Society

Conversations at the Intersection of Science and Society is an anthology that introduces students to important concepts in the biological sciences and explores the intersection of these concepts with philosophy, ethics, religion, politics, and public policy. Readings are organized by topic and include selections from a variety of sources and perspectives. With brief introductions to each topic, Conversations delivers a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience for students. This anthology is intended for freshman- or sophomore-level science courses for non-science majors, as well as general readers interested in a non-technical introduction to biology and its relationship to society. Conversations is classroom tested in the editors’ course, Science and Society, at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Michael Stout is the L.D. Newsom Professor of Integrated Pest Management in the Department of Entomology at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. He received his B.A. in biology and his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of California, Davis, respectively. His research interests include plant-insect interactions, host-plant resistance, and integrated management of rice insect pests. He resides in Louisiana with his wife and two children.

Jim Ottea is the insecticide toxicologist in the Department of Entomology at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. He received his B.S. in biology and his M.S. in entomology from Texas A&M University, and his Ph.D. in entomology from the University of California, Davis. His research characterizes mechanisms of insecticide resistance in insect pests. He resides in Louisiana with his three sons.