Rachel Carson published Silent Spring in 1962, advocating the limited use of synthetic pesticides. With its vivid images and dramatic evidence, it sparked emerging environmental concerns into a major public controversy. President Kennedy, Congress and the television media all initiated investigations. We will situate ourselves in late 1963, consider the evidence available at the time, assess Carson's claims and decide what policy we recommend.

Participants:

entomologists, ornithologists, agriculturalists, representatives of chemical (pesticide) industry, public health officials, economist, amateur birders, others.
See role assignments.

Develop an assessment of Carson's claims and a policy recommendation based on your character's perspective (consider the public justification, based on the available evidence and shared values).

Guiding Questions [NOT an outline!]:

• Are the claims in Silent Spring scientifically valid? (What can your character validate or challenge? Can Rachel Carson be considered an authority?)
• What are the benefits, as well as the potential harms of chemical pesticides (in particular, DDT)? What is the reliability of the evidence? (Who bears the burden of proof for safety v. harm?)
• Are there any alternatives? If so, what are their costs and consequences? Who profits, who bears the risks?
• What values intersect with the facts in this case? How do we integrate science and values?

Each person must: (a) prepare a concentrated written summary of the position of their character (adding any personal commentary in notes or appendix) (~1000 wds, excluding references and visuals) and (b) present a 3-minute summary in class (without reading). Each contribution should include: