MIND
MOVING
MOMENTS
Café Scientifique:
Why Aim for Space?
by Pecier Decierdo, Mind Mover
E
ven before the first guest entered the walls of
The Mind Museum (TMM), its spirit had already been born
in Café Scientifique. As a part of the global movement of
the same name, TMM’s Café Scientifique brings science to
the general public through talks and discussions and breaks
down perceptions of science as a detached body of work
performed by scientists. today. Given these problems, I then asked them to share
their thoughts on whether it was wise for our government to
invest in a space program.
Science affects us all, and Café Scientifique takes that question
to the public: “how does science affect you?” Many of the participants were enthusiastic about the idea
of having a homegrown space program, and the benefits
this could have for Filipinos from all walks of life. On the other
hand, others were initially skeptical and believed that space
technology should not be one of our main priorities.
The first session for 2017 was held last January 21, focusing
on the question, “Why aim for space?” In particular,
the participants were asked to weigh in on whether the
Philippines should invest in a space program, and how this
would affect us as a nation.
Unlike previous sessions, this session of Café Scientifique
followed a new format. Previously, an expert would give a
brief lecture on the topic, and answer questions from the
audience.
In the new format, the host would ask participants to share
their thoughts on different questions at the intersection of
science, society, and culture. Throughout the discussion, the
host would also share relevant facts that could shape the
conversation.
As the host of this session, I first asked the guests to share
their ideas on the most pressing issues the Philippines faced
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I also discussed the bills currently being filed in Congress
that would pave the way for a space program, and how much
this would cost our taxpayers.
However, as we discussed all the potential benefits of a
space program, the participants were eventually convinced
that this would be a worthy investment. On the top of the
participants’ list was how a space program could help in
reducing and managing disaster risks, and improving
telecommunications.
By taking the audience to share exactly how science issues
affect them and the world around them, the new Café
Scientifique format captures even more the idea that science
is a very human endeavor with real practical and moral
consequences.
For more information on the upcoming Café Scientifique
programs, please email [email protected].