Lecture: Richard Wolfson October 20, 2005

Richard Wolfson, the Benjamin F. Wissler Professor of Physics at Middlebury College in Vermont, will give a talk, titled ?Like a Work of Shakespeare: Reality and Metaphor in Modern Physics,? on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. in Boliou Hall, Room 104. The event is free and open to the public.

The talk, aimed at an audience of both nonscientists and scientists, will explore metaphorical connections between modern physics and the humanities. Wolfson will show that even though metaphors are in everyday language, some believe that science must be beyond the use of these imprecise devices to explain nature. In fact, modern physics abounds with metaphor.

Wolfson has taught physics and environmental studies at Middlebury since 1976. His research interests include solar astrophysics and in science and public policy. He has written several books on science and social issues for nontechnical audiences, including ?Nuclear Choices: A Citizen?s Guide to Nuclear Technology, and Energy, Environment, and Climate.? He is also coauthor of an introductory physics textbook and of ?Simply Einstein: Relativity Demystified.?

Carleton?s English and physics departments and Environmental and Technology Policy Program are co-sponsoring the event. For more information and disability accommodations, contact Professor Joel Weisberg at (507) 646-4367 or [email protected].