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Douglas Adams Memorial Debate
19/04/2007 . Source: Jessica Martin 
The Douglas Adams Memorial Debate asks From Star Wars to the Battle of Ideas - Is science fiction good for public debate? Buy Douglas Adams in the USA - or Buy Douglas Adams in the UK  Venue: Apollo Cinema, West End, 19 Regent Street, London SW1Y 4LR
Date: May 3, 2007
Time: 7.00pm
Tickets: £7.
Science fiction often tells us more about social attitudes and anxieties than science itself, and can be a spur for debate about everything from genetics to consciousness, from war to climate change. Sci fi can move people to engage in science, inspiring young people to become scientists, and encouraging the general public to debate the consequences of science for society. It can also frighten us, making us wary of new technology and its unintended consequences. Is this all to the good, or does sci fi skew our understanding of science?
Writers and filmmakers often take their inspiration from science and ask ‘what if…?’, but when it comes down to it, they have few qualms about ditching scientific accuracy in favour of gripping narrative. Does it matter how much actual science gets into sci fi, as long as it gets people talking? Do writers and directors have a responsibility to make their science accurate, or even educational?
Should ‘proper’ sci fi deal with hard science rather than ‘issues’? Or should we stop worrying and just enjoy it?
Science comedy warm-up: Mark Stevenson
Speakers:
Professor Mark Brake: Centre for Astronomy & Science Education, University of Glamorgan
Stephen Foulger: curator ‘Science of Aliens’ - Science Museum
Dr. Geeta Nargund: consultant in Reproductive Medicine, St. George’s Hospital, London; advisor, Children of Men
David Perks: head of physics, Graveney School; author, What Is Science Education For?
Rev. Neil Hook: Centre for Astronomy and Science Education, University of Glamorgan
Dr. Lizzie Burns: Hollywood Maths and Science Consulting
Chair - Dolan Cummings: Institute of Ideas
Booking: http://www.sci-fi-london.com/2007web/tickets.htm or 020 7451 9944.
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