This talk explores the perceived tension between Science and Passion. At its core and by definition, science strives for reason free from emotion. Yet, many biologists express affinity for the organisms they study. They first developed an interest in birds or ants or turtles and then they pursued that interest as biologists and scientists. Rather than a contradiction, it is passion that drives long-term research and fuels efforts to protect species and engage conservation efforts. Moreover, such passion inspires the public and popular environmental activism. “Science and Passion” focuses on three prominent biologists and their subjects of study: Edward O. Wilson (Ants), Archie Carr (Turtles), and Rachel Carson (Birds and the Sea).

Readings
Archie F. Carr, Jr. So Excellent A Fishe: A Natural History of Sea Turtles. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 1967 / 2011.
Frederick Rowe Davis. The Man who Saved Sea Turtles: Archie Carr and the Origins of Conservation Biology. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.
E.O. Wilson. Naturalist. Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 2006.

Frederick R. Davis is the Fulbright Scholar and Visiting Professor 2016-17, CUHK and the R. Mark Lubbers Chair in the History of Science and Professor at Purdue University. His research interests include history of science, technology, medicine (including public health) and environmental history.

Prof. Davis was nominated for the Distinguished Teaching Professor Award, Florida State University in 2015 and 2016 and received the Developing Scholar Award, Florida State University in 2009. His latest publications include Banned: A History of Pesticides and the Science of Toxicology and The Man who Saved Sea Turtles: Archie Carr and the Origins of Conservation Biology.