[M-ZZ32] Geoscience Studies: historical, philosophical and STS studies

[MZZ32-05] "Restrain" Over Critical Thinking Involving Geoscience

*Mamoru HAYASHI¹ (1.University of TOYAMA)

To deal with nature and understand people that have been altering the nature to continue evolutionary adaptation, as well as their efforts, it is necessary to comprehend the target of their action, the natural environment. The comprehension of the natural environment can demonstrate the limits of the people and their efforts (positively speaking, the goals), and contradictions. Many times, geoscientists are on the top of these efforts. They can see quickly the limits and contradictions.
The role of scientists, who conduct studies as representatives of the society, is to share with other organizers (citizens) that compose civil society. However, the critical thinking and knowledge proceeding from Geoscience are often "restrained" and not adopted. The situation in which studies are disregarded or distorted has continued for so long. These factors have been the main causes of natural catastrophes and nuclear plant disasters.
The science literacy that leads to the so called "scholars beholden to the government", "restrain" of critical thinking and a way to overcome these issues will be analyzed based on "empathy" featured in cognitive science and "ethical" perspective that derives from metacognitive ability to deal with rationality.