In addition to his research, Julien devotes part of his time to engaging the general public through blogging, popular writing, public speaking, media appearances, and participation in public forums and debates. The goal of these activities is to promote the role, understanding, and importance of science, reason, and critical thinking, not just as inherently worthy pursuits, but also as they pertain to broader societal issues.

More than half a century ago, the Nobel Laureate Hermann Joseph Muller (1890-1967) wrote that:

“As science is more and more subject to grave misuse as well as to use for human benefit it has also become the scientist’s responsibility to become aware of the social relations and applications of his subject, and to exert his influence in such a direction as will result in the best applications of the findings in his own and related fields. Thus he must help in educating the public, in the broad sense, and this means first educating himself, not only in science but in regard to the great issues confronting mankind today.”

At the dawn of the 21st century, Muller’s words are more relevant than ever, and the public understanding of science should be approached as an issue of critical importance. After all, science and reason are the best way we have to understand the world, they remain the most potent form of intellectual self-defense available, and a scientifically educated public is essential to fulfilling our democratic ideals.

In his public outreach, Julien speaks on a range of issues, including the nature and value of critical thinking, the history and development of science, the difference between science and pseudo-science, the relationship between science and religion, questions of values, meaning, and happiness in a secular worldview, topics in cognitive science and the scientific study of mind, and the broader societal implications of the sciences of mind.

If you are interested in booking Julien for an event, please contact him directly or contact the Speakers Bureau of the Secular Student Alliance, or contact his publicist Lisa Michalski. Get a copy of Julien Musolino’s Press Kit.