A List
4/7/08

'Moral Complexity of Modern Science' Topic For Romer Lecture At SLU

CANTON - "J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Moral Complexity of Modern Science" is the title of a talk by Hofstra University Professor of Chemistry David Cassidy on Tuesday, April 22, at 8 p.m. in the auditorium of Hepburn Hall at St. Lawrence University. The 2008 Alfred Romer Memorial Lecture, it is open to the public, free of charge.

Oppenheimer led the team that built the atomic bomb, and he recommended its use on Japan, but as the leading science advisor, he opposed the building of the hydrogen bomb on moral grounds. Cassidy's talk will explore a number of questions, including: How did Oppenheimer, like others, become involved in the building and use of the bomb? How did he and his colleagues become opposed to the bomb? What do these differing reactions tell us about the moral complexities of issues in today's science?

Cassidy has written extensively on the history of the physical sciences. He has also served as an editor of the Einstein papers, and has won awards for writing about science for popular audiences. This lecture draws from his 2005 book J. Robert Oppenheimer and the American Century.

The Alfred Romer Lecture was established to honor the late emeritus professor of physics, who was associated with the University for over 50 years.

-30-
More: Science at St. Lawrence