Discussion 7 : Geneticists James Watson & Francis Collins’ contrasting perspectives on science & society

Read the article  The most controversial statements made by the father of DNA  (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/james-watson-racism-sexism-dna-race-intelligence-genetics-double-helix-a8725556.html)and note what you think of James Watson’s statements about science, race, gender & intelligence.

Then read the article https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/08/decade-francis-collins-has-shielded-nih-while-making-waves-his-own  and note Francis Collin’s approach to help (or hurt, if you disagree) make science more understandable to the public. Francis Collins continues to be the National Institutes of Health director today but is planning to move on by the end of the year.

Discussion 7 : Geneticists James Watson & Francis Collins’ contrasting perspectives on science & society Answer

The articles on James Watson and Francis Collins show that two highly intelligent and influential men can exercise their freedom of speech and power to influence people though sharing their thoughts quite differently. James Watson can be considered as racist, insulting and biased when it comes to his opinion on people’s diversity when it comes to color, sexual orientation and level of intelligence.