It is a common fallacy that science and scientists are somehow divorced from the social and political climate in which they live. That this is untrue is easily seen by reference to many historical cases. The response to AIDS by scientists is an excellent modern example of the interplay of science and society.
AIDS is a world wide problem yet the media pay scant attention to the problems of AIDS outside North America. In order to truly comprehend the problems facing the world with AIDS it is important to understand the problems facing scientists and governments in other parts of the world and particularly in Africa.
Finally the political aspects of AIDS need to be understood if we are to comprehend the decisions made in the allocation of research funds. It is ironic that both the far left and the far right have tried to use AIDS as a political tool. On the left it has been suggested that AIDS was in fact engineered in a US military lab and released accidentally. On the right it has been claimed that AIDS was in fact engineered in a Soviet military lab and released deliberately and, somewhat inconsistently, that AIDS was a punishment from God!
There will be two papers required for this project. The first will be a short and straightforward paper on the biology of AIDS. The second will be a longer more complex paper on the history of AIDS and the current social and political questions that must be faced both nationally and internationally.
(This list may be added to as more material becomes available)
AIDS Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Biological, Medical, Social and Legal Issues
Author: Gerald J. Stine
Published: Prentice Hall. New Jersey
ISBN 0-13-019811-0And the Band Played On
Author: Randy Shilts
Published St Martins Press NYThe Biology of AIDS
Authors: Fan, Connor and Villarreal Third Edition
Published Jones and Bartlett Publishers
ISBN 0-86720-346-3A Shallow Pool of Time
Author: Fran Peavy Published
New Society Publishers, Philadelphia PA, Santa Cruz CA
ISBN 0-86571-167-4Women AIDS and activism
Author: The ACT UP/NY Women and AIDS Book Group
Published South End Press Boston MA
ISBN 0-89608-393-4Love in a plague of hatred: AIDS in the world today.
New Internationalist #250 December 1993.
ISSN 03050 9529