FRS 001O - Sec. 001 - (1
unit) - CRN 75087 - W 5:15 – 6:30 pm - 2005 Plant Env. Sci. (PES)
Defense Against Dark Information: Microbes, Microcode and Memes
Instructor: R. Ford Denison, Department of Agronomy & Range
Science, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Description: This seminar will explore possible responses to
the risks associated with self-replicating information coded in DNA, computer
code, or human language. Bacteria that live inside animals and plants can provide
them with vital nutrients or other benefits. But a small change in their genetic
programming (natural or deliberate) can cause them to manipulate or kill their
hosts. "Bugs" in computer software controlling civilian infrastructure
(air traffic control or the power grid) or military weapons systems can have
disastrous consequences. Email and cell phones spread infectious ideas, sometimes
known as "memes", faster than ever, in ways that may either promote
or threaten democracy. Readings and discussion will consider a number of examples
of rampaging replicators, looking for unifying principles. Some aspects of modern
evolutionary theory will be included, particularly those useful in predicting
the rate and direction of evolutionary change in microorganisms (and perhaps
computer viruses and rumors). Individual and societal defenses and consequences
for civil liberties will be considered. The primary goal of the seminar is to
improve students' ability to deal with complex issues where "getting the
facts" is necessary but not sufficient. For example, even if experts agree
on what the risks and benefits of mass vaccination programs are, they may disagree
on whether the benefits exceed the risks. Reasonable people may argue about
whether increased surveillance of Americans by the FBI (supposedly, to prevent
bioterrorism or malicious use of computer viruses) protects us or threatens
us. Students will be encouraged to argue for their point of view in ways that
respect differing viewpoints of others. Students will also get practice evaluating
and using a variety of information sources, from peer-reviewed journals to the
web, and in distinguishing facts, hypotheses, and scientific theories. Significant
technical expertise (e.g., in microbiology or computer science) is not a goal.
It is hoped that the seminar will stimulate students to explore topics outside
of their chosen majors (through classes or additional reading) during their
subsequent time at Davis.
Format: The course will informed discussion by students of
controversial issues raised by weekly reading assignments of about 20 pages
per week. Much of the reading will be excerpts from books (probably including
The Selfish Gene; Guns Germs and Steel; Evolution of Infectious Disease; Smart
Mobs; Disappearing Cryptography; Hacking Exposed; and Bowling Alone), of which
Tide Turners (a novel about a conspiracy to solve the "population problem"
by releasing a virus engineered to reduce human fertility) will probably be
the most controversial. I will also assign some peer-reviewed journal articles,
with the stated expectation that most students will only read the Abstracts.
Grading: The course grade will be based on (20%) weekly
short quizzes (major points from assigned reading), (40%) class discussion (especially
constructive criticism of opposing views), (20%) library/web assignment (1 peer-reviewed
article & 1 web article on relevant topic), and (20%) short paper using
above sources.
About the Instructor: