In the wake of Three Mile Island, a lively discussion, frightening in its

implications: if two bona-fide nuclear physicists disagree so fundamentally, how can the layman come to an informed opinion? Professor Beyea explains "the difference between a technological pessimist and a technological optimist.... When it comes down to it, I run scared about a technological device. I cannot guarantee a technological device until I've tested it many times in full scale. Nuclear power we can never test in full scale, and that disturbs me." As Professor Cohen sees it, "You are ignoring the consequences of not having nuclear power. Every time you don't build a nuclear plant and build a coal plant instead, you are condemning hundreds of people to death."

Alternate title: "Understanding Nuclear Energy"