From 
medicine to finance to education, science and technology seek to address a variety of human problems by producing data and tools to help us understand ourselves and our world. “But without careful consideration of the social dimensions of innovation,” says Dr. Benjamin, “we risk reinforcing longstanding forms of inequity and injustice, and even producing new forms of discrimination that are hidden behind a veneer of technological neutrality.” She will examine a range of contemporary issues at the nexus of data and democracy, so that, as she says, “we can think together about the social values embedded in these platforms and systems. My aim is to expand our collective imagination around what counts as relevant and meaningful to public debate on science, technology, and education, so that a greater array of citizens can contribute to the design of the world we collectively inhabit.”
Dr Benjamin is an activist, social scientist, and a professor at Princeton University who researches the tension between innovation and equity as well as the power of knowledge. Benjamin highlights the voices of people with disabilities, African-Americans, and women and demonstrates why scientists AND citizens should have the power to influence society. Join us and learn how we can incubate a better world in the hearts and minds of our students, harness science and technology for the greater good and advance public engagement in science that will benefit all.
CPDU’s are available. Cohosts: League of Women Voters of Glen Ellyn
