Cyrus Mody on the Importance of Square (as in NOT COOL) Scientists and Engineers
Aug 26, 2024
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Cyrus Mody, a Professor in the History of Science, Technology, and Innovation at Maastricht University, shares insights from his book about the often-ignored contributions of 'square' scientists in the 1970s. He contrasts these conventional figures with the countercultural narratives typically dominating discussions about technology. Mody discusses the evolution of STEM education, the intricacies of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the challenges of sustainability in the oil industry, all while emphasizing the importance of responsible scientific practices.
Cyrus Mody's book highlights the often-overlooked contributions of conventional scientists and engineers, revealing their significant roles in technological advancements during the 1970s.
The podcast critiques the simplistic notion that ethical principles in STEM education alone will lead to responsible practices, emphasizing historical context and external incentives instead.
By proposing the concept of the 'long 1970s,' Mody underscores the importance of examining broader temporal shifts to understand transformations in science and technology.
Deep dives
Reassessing Counter-Culture Narratives
The episode challenges the prevalent narrative that the development of digital technology and the internet was primarily driven by the counter-culture movements of the 1960s. It highlights the risk of glorifying these narratives, which often overlook the contributions of mainstream engineers and business professionals who played significant roles in shaping technology. The discussion points out that many influential scientists and engineers from the era were not part of the counter-culture but were instead aligned with the conventional values of society at the time. By questioning the dominance of these counter-cultural stories, the episode invites a more nuanced understanding of history that includes the perspectives of those labeled as 'squares.'
Cyrus Modi's Exploration of 'Squares'
Cyrus Modi's book, 'The Squares,' delves into the contributions of non-activist scientists and engineers during the 1970s, a period often overshadowed by the more glamorous accounts of counter-culture icons. His work emphasizes that while there were radical figures within the scientific community, the majority operated within traditional frameworks, yet adapted to societal changes. By examining these 'square' scientists, Modi argues that their actions were influenced by the socio-political landscape, often practicing social responsibility when it was incentivized. This challenges the perception that scientific progress was solely the result of counter-cultural ethos and calls for a balanced recognition of all contributors.
Social Responsibility in STEM
The episode discusses the ongoing conversation about social responsibility in science and engineering, emphasizing a realistic view of how these fields have historically responded to ethical imperatives. It critiques the naive idea that simply instilling ethical principles in STEM education will result in responsible innovation, suggesting that historical context and external incentives play crucial roles. Cyrus's findings indicate that scientists and engineers acted responsibly when societal structures incentivized them to do so but reverted to less responsible practices when those incentives disappeared. This insight reveals the complexities of integrating ethics into scientific practices and the limitations of a purely educational approach.
The Concept of the Long 1970s
Cyrus Modi uses the term 'long 1970s' to describe the extended period of change in science and technology from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. He argues that this framework is essential for understanding the various transformations in scientific practices and political landscapes during that time. By examining this broader timeline, the discussion highlights the significant shifts in funding, student engagement, and public perception of science, contrasted with the earlier, more stable decades. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of how societal influences shaped scientific inquiry and innovation.
Interdisciplinary Trends in Higher Education
The episode uncovers the historical tensions surrounding interdisciplinary studies at institutions like Stanford University during the late 1960s and early 1970s. While activists advocated for interdisciplinarity as a tool for civil engagement, academic administrators were wary, fearing it could undermine specialized expertise. The resulting dynamics showcased a range of motivations for embracing interdisciplinary approaches, often influenced by external pressures such as funding crises and campus protests. This reflection on the past illustrates how institutional attitudes toward collaboration have evolved, with implications for contemporary academic practices.
Peoples & Things host, Lee Vinsel, talks to Cyrus Mody, Professor in the History of Science, Technology, and Innovation and Director of the STS Program at Maastricht University, about his book, The Squares: US Physical and Engineering Scientists in the Long 1970s (MIT Press, 2022). Many narratives about contemporary technologies, especially digital computing and the Internet, focus on the influences of 1960s counter-cultures. In _The Squares_, Mody takes the opposite approach and asks how square, non-counter-cultural scientists and engineers reacted to their changing environments in the 1970s. Vinsel and Mody also talk about what this story may suggest about current efforts to refocus STEM education on “values.” The pair also discuss how, over the course of his career, Mody has continually used a set of historical actors he knows a great deal about to examine different historical themes and questions. Finally, they discuss Mody’s current projects and where he is headed.
