An irregular exploration of the struggle between the power of rational discourse and the scientific method on one hand, and the forces of superstition and dogma on the other.
James Hrynyshyn is a freelance science journalist based in western North Carolina, where he tries to put degrees in marine biology and journalism to good use.
The Demon-Haunted World:
Science as a Candle
in the Dark,
by Carl Sagan
(A
review)
The Doubter's Companion:
by John Ralston Saul (Excerpts)
Skeptic Magazine: www.skeptic.com
Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal: www.csicop.org
A poem by Yehuda Amichai:
The
Place
Where We Are Right
The Meaning of the
Island of Doubt
By doubting we come to inquiry; and through inquiry we perceive truth.
--- Peter Abelard
Undisguised clarity is easily mistaken for arrogance.
-- Richard Dawkins
As for evolution, it happened. Deal with it.
-- Michael Shermer.
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Category: Sci-culture
Posted on: July 4, 2006 8:23 AM, by James Hrynyshyn
On the eve of America's 230th, the New York Times steps to the plate with a short, sweet editorial calling for more and better science education:
Some universities have already realized the need for better ways of teaching. But this means revising an incentive system that has historically rewarded scientists for making discoveries and publishing academic papers, not for nurturing the next generation of great minds.
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Comments
All good ideas.
However, care must be taken to be sure that big-industry/big money doesn't step in, to provide much-needed "help" (financial assistance), but ends up shaping what can and cannot be taught, instead.
Posted by: ATexanButSane | July 4, 2006 8:30 PM
Heh heh. Check your spelling of "education".
Posted by: wamba | July 16, 2006 6:55 PM