TED: Science in service to the public good | Siddhartha Roy

The video discusses the Flint water crisis, highlighting the failures of government and scientists, and the community's response. It critiques the current scientific culture and education system, advocating for a focus on ethics and public service. The speaker reflects on personal experiences and historical figures like Peter Palchinsky, emphasizing the need for scientists and engineers to prioritize public welfare. The Heroic Imagination Project is introduced as a model for fostering heroism and public-focused mindsets in education.

What was the initial advice given to the speaker during orientation?

• Be easy to manage

• Be a leader

• Be independent

• Be innovative

What was the main cause of the Flint water crisis?

• A natural disaster

• A decision to switch water sources to save money

• A lack of water supply

• An increase in water demand

Who was the water expert from the US EPA that helped Flint residents?

• Phil Zimbardo

• Joseph Stalin

• Miguel Del Toral

• Mark Edwards

What was the outcome of the grassroots coalitions' efforts in Flint?

• The state acknowledged the problem and took corrective steps

• The crisis was ignored

• The coalitions were disbanded

• Flint's water was declared safe

What is the first canon of engineering according to the speaker?

• To innovate continuously

• To hold paramount the health, safety, and welfare of the public

• To follow regulations strictly

• To prioritize economic growth

Who was Peter Palchinsky and what did he advocate for?

• A Soviet engineer who advocated for rapid industrialization

• A US engineer who worked on the Flint water crisis

• A US engineer who focused on technical training

• A Soviet engineer who emphasized the social impact of engineering

What is the common perception of engineers that the speaker contrasts with Palchinsky's views?

• Engineers as public servants

• Engineers as activists

• Engineers as community leaders

• Engineers as detached and emotionless

What does the speaker criticize about the current education system?

• It is too lenient on students

• It lacks sufficient funding

• It does not encourage public-focused mindsets

• It focuses too much on technical skills

What is the Heroic Imagination Project?

• A scientific research project on imagination

• A project to train engineers in technical skills

• A program to train children to see themselves as heroes

• A government initiative to improve water quality

What does the speaker suggest should be incorporated into science and engineering education?

• Heroism and public service

• Greater emphasis on individual success

• More technical training

• Increased focus on regulations