The Natural Sciences

Abstract

Part II of the book takes up questions of curriculum, beginning with the natural sciences. The aim throughout Part II is to identify what all students should share. The sciences bring material benefits, not only to the societies out of which new research comes but also to the entire human population. Hence it is important to train young people who can build on past achievements to make new advances in the future. Scientific education is not merely for the few who fill this important role, or even for the larger number who will draw on established science in their daily employment. The results of science should be as widely available as possible, not simply because of the intrinsic value of understanding but, more importantly, because policy debates often turn on scientific details. General education in science should preserve the curiosity most children have, and instill scientific literacy. The chapter argues that this is best done by distinguishing the curriculum for specialists from a broad general education in science, and it formulates concrete proposals for how this might be achieved.