How 'runaway' polarization threatens democracy

+ educating future engineers to tackle tomorrow’s climate change US Edition - Today's top story: Not all polarization is bad, but the US could be in trouble [View in browser]( US Edition | 4 January 2022 [The Conversation]( Political polarization isn’t new – and it’s not necessarily destructive. As the U.S. approaches the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., political philosopher Robert Talisse reminds Americans that “deep-seated disagreement can be healthy for democracy” because the “clash of opinions can help us find the truth.” But the kind of “runaway” polarization the U.S. is experiencing today separates people into tribes and [can be extremely dangerous to democratic societies](, writes Talisse. It transforms people into extremists who “focus on hostility toward those who disagree” – even when they’re allies, the Vanderbilt scholar explains. What to do? “Polarization is a problem that cannot be solved, but only managed,” adds Talisse, in a slightly hopeful conclusion to his unsettling story. We’ve got more articles coming this week related to the Jan. 6 anniversary, and I promise, this one’s the most optimistic. Also today: - [Feeling more ‘flow’ may be the secret to happiness]( - [How animal welfare became a priority for US zoos]( - [Metal and ceramic may soon help fix your broken bones]( Naomi Schalit Senior Editor, Politics + Society [Not all polarization is bad, but the US could be in trouble]( Robert B. Talisse, Vanderbilt University Deep-seated disagreement is healthy for a democracy. But when people lose the ability to navigate those differences, they risk seeking anti-democratic unity of thought. Health + Medicine - [Why does experiencing ‘flow’ feel so good? A communication scientist explains]( Richard Huskey, University of California, Davis Research shows that people with more flow in their lives had a higher sense of well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists are beginning to explore what happens in the brain during flow. - [The promise of repairing bones and tendons with human-made materials]( Brittany Taylor, University of Florida A biomedical engineer explains how human-made materials inserted in the body hold hope to repair painful injuries more efficiently than bone grafts. Science + Technology - [Zoos and aquariums shift to a new standard of ‘animal welfare’ that depends on deeper understanding of animals’ lives]( Michael J. Renner, Drake University A fundamental change in how North American zoos and aquariums are accredited supports their animal conservation and species survival work. Environment + Energy - [Future engineers need to understand their work’s human impact – here’s how my classes prepare students to tackle problems like climate change]( Gordon D. Hoople, University of San Diego Solving mathematical equations is only part of the job. Students should be spending more time thinking about the human dimensions of the problems they are trying to solve. - [What is pay-as-you-throw? A waste expert explains]( Lily Baum Pollans, Hunter College When governments want people to do less of something, one way to make that happen is to charge them for doing it. That’s the idea behind pay-as-you-throw waste policies. Education - [How changing parental beliefs can build stronger vocabulary and math skills for young children]( Julie Pernaudet, University of Chicago; Dana Suskind, University of Chicago; John List, University of Chicago Demonstrating for parents how to talk with their babies and toddlers can improve kids’ vocabulary and math skills, new research finds. Economy + Business - [‘Dataraising’ – when you’re asked to chip in with data instead of money]( Lucy Bernholz, Stanford University Informed data donations are different from the usual online data experience. They’re easier to manage because of technological advances. From our international editions - [Archbishop Desmond Tutu: father of South Africa’s ‘rainbow nation’]( - [How could the Big Bang arise from nothing?]( - [50 years on, The Joy of Sex is outdated in parts but still a fun ‘unanxious’ romp]( Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly emails: [Politics Weekly]( • [Science Editors' Picks]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Weekly Highlights]( [The Conversation]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]( 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451 [Forward to a friend]( • [Unsubscribe](