S4 Ep 10 - Erika Milam on 'Colloquial Science'

"These conversations are the focus of fierce debate, not because scientists lack authority, but because these are the intellectual battles worth fighting. These are the stakes on which modern society depends"

Our guest today is Erika Milam, Charles C. and Emily R. Gillispie Professor in the History of Science at Princeton University.

Through her research, Erika has found it useful to coin the term ‘Colloquial Science’ to describe work that deals with technical scientific topics but is produced in such a way as to be accessible to a variety of audiences.

The term colloquial science can be distinguished from other terms, such as popular science, as it is concerned with shared conversations between specialists and non-specialists.  

Examples of colloquial science, including scientific memoirs, magazine articles, documentaries - and even podcasts – can act as critical sources of inspiration for practicing scientists as well as future generations of researchers.

Transcript coming soon.

Related resources

• Erika Lorraine Milam | Personal Website
• Erika Lorraine Milam | Princeton University
• Creatures of Cain by Erika Lorraine Milam | Princeton University Press
• Erika Milam on Human Nature in Cold War America | JHI Podcast 
• The Immense Journey by Loren Eiseley | Goodreads
• Teaching | Erika Lorraine Milam

Thanks for listening to The HPS Podcast with current producers, Samara Greenwood and Carmelina Contarino. You can find more about us on our blog, website, bluesky, twitter, instagram and facebook feeds. Music by ComaStudio.

This podcast would not be possible without the support of School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne.

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