Science or Government Propaganda? ‘Freedom’s Laboratory’ Author Talk with Audra Wolfe

Author Audra Wolfe will host a public discussion of her new book “Freedom’s Laboratory,” at Delaware Valley University on March 21 at 7 p.m. in the Life Sciences Building auditorium. There will be a book signing following the discussion. All are welcome. There is no cost to attend and guests do not need to register in advance. “Freedom’s Laboratory,” will be available at the event and, in the University’s bookstore.

“Freedom’s Laboratory: The Cold War Struggle for the Soul of Science,” explores the relationship between science and government propaganda. Scientists like to proclaim that science knows no borders. Scientific researchers follow the evidence where it leads, their conclusions free of prejudice or ideology. But is that always the case? In her new book, Wolfe shows how these ideas were tested to their limits in the high-stakes propaganda battles of the Cold War.  

Uncovering many startling episodes of the close relationship between the U.S. government and private scientific groups, “Freedom’s Laboratory” explores science’s link to U.S. propaganda and psychological warfare campaigns during the Cold War. Closing in the present day with a discussion of the recent March for Science and the prospects for science and science diplomacy in the Trump era, the book demonstrates the continued hold of Cold War thinking on ideas about science and politics in the United States.  

Wolfe is a Philadelphia-based, writer, editor and historian. She has a background in both science (B.S., chemistry, Purdue University, 1997) and history (Ph.D., history and sociology of science, University of Pennsylvania, 2002). Her work explores the relationship between science and power. She is also the author of, “Competing with the Soviets: Science, Technology, and the State in Cold War America (2013)."

The event is being sponsored by the University’s Department of Education and the undergraduate history, policy and society major.

For more information, please contact Chair of Education Dr. David D. Timony at 215.489.4124 or david.timony@delval.edu.