Hunt Speaks On The Forum
For some months now short articles by various scientists have appeared in this spot. Although the writers have not aimed to give a mini-course in science, I have learned much about mushroom fairy rings, sun spots, volcanoes, flood conditions, permafrost, satellites, and our unique northern visual resource--the aurora, and many other aspects of the physical environment
Instead of applying for three extension course credits from the University, I prefer to reflect on the humanities and the sciences. It is the charge of the Alaska Humanities Forum to bring the humanities into closer contact with everyday problems of America. Our state program is perhaps the most lively one in the nation and it has reached people throughout the state with conferences, seminars, lectures, films, and television.
The emphasis of the Forum has been the involvement of people in the formulation of public policy. These articles reach thousands of readers, Alaskans who need not be reminded that they live in a period of rapid change. Controversies over land classification and gas line routes command our attention. Far reaching public policies are being formulated by federal and state governments in pace with events. The news columns devote much space to economic developments and their impact on public policies. As important as these events are, they need not be repeated here.
So what is offered here to meet the Humanities Forum charge? Certainly we have not been cautioned that sciences will solve all problems or resolve all doubts. Nor has any writer asked for money, one more research grant which will fill an agonizing void in our knowledge.
No, readers must turn to other pages for direct comfort and counsel. A wide range is offered, from the meaning of orbiting stars and human personalities to the no-nonsense wisdom of Dear Abbey. As far as I can see these articles have neither changed the world nor made proposals to do so.
But the fare laid on here has values. If the scientists will not predict the future or stave off society's ruin, they assure us nonetheless. They address themselves to aspects of nature which affect all our activities. They explain why certain things happen as they do. No sensation. No alarm. No scolding or preaching. Here is the natural environment, we are told. This is how it works.
The writers choose topics which they believe relate closely to human experience. I am pleased that none of them feel compelled to confess that, at heart, they are humanists. None has to promise to curb his Dr. Strangelove impulses and quit making Star Wars and bionic women. I suppose they don't really care for aberrations like these.
It appears likely that responsible individuals, regardless of their special vocations, care about the present and the future.
The scientists' contribution to our public forum-at-large is low keyed and clear. There is just one world.
