Messages from:
Division Chair

Division Officers
Candidates for Election

DICI: 1997 Spring Newsleter


This Newsletter by Section


Message from the Chair

Jane Maienschein


Last year in the newsletter, we asked whether the very small (though, of course, select) membership of the Division of History and Philosophy of Biology was committed to continuing in that form or how we might best rethink our objectives.

That discussion, through letters and e-mails and at the SICB 1996 Annual Meeting in Albuquerque led to our new formulation as the Division for Integrative and Comparative Issues (DICI).

While still committed to exploring the history and philosophy of biology, the Division members expressed interest in adding consideration of social, legal, political, ethical and educational issues, recognizing that science is intimately intertwined with social issues. Thus, we wish to provide a forum for scholarly discussion of the wide range of issues relating to biology and society. These are fundamental issues that involve integrating and comparing across all levels of life and its study.

The intention is to experiment with this expanded scope and to invite other members of SICB to join us in preparing lively program offerings. Our interests strike to the very heart of why so many members of the Society felt it desirable to identify ourselves as "integrative" and "comparative." What did we mean by that? What do we gain by thinking in terms of integration and comparing at all levels and across all boundaries? This Division provides a place for the Society to consider such issues explicitly and a reminder that they are important.

To lead this effort in these new directions, the Nominating Committee recommends the following roster of unopposed candidates. Please review the candidates and send in the ballot included with this newsletter to approve the roster.


DICI Candidates for Election

Chair: Richard Burian

A philosopher and historian of biology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Burian has served as Chair of Philosophy and as Director of the Science Studies Program. He works closely with biologists in exploring issues of evolutionary biology and genetics, and has examined national differences in approach and content of biology. A "big thinker" who considers large issues and the way they play out in society, Burian has been active in SICB for many years.

Secretary: Joseph Graves

A geneticist at Arizona State University, Graves has made important scholarly contributions to the study of race and society, to understanding the boundaries between science and pseudoscience, and to African-American studies. He has served as Division Secretary for a two-year term.

Program Officer: Keith Benson

Keith Benson will remain as Program Officer through 1998. Executive Secretary of the History of Science Society, Benson also serves as the American Association for the Advancement of Science's History Committee Chair. He has served as SICB archivist for many years.


The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
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