Subject: Science Communication

Posted by Bill Rathborne on 7/13/2009
In Reply To:Science Communication Posted by Richard Turnock on 7/13/2009

Message:

Richard Turnock wrote:

> http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/07/science_what_we_go
> t_here_is_a.html
>
> “At the worst possible time, a gulf of misunderstanding widens between
> the nation's scientists and ordinary Americans”

Never mind the article. I was looking at the "comment" posts! We are in the midst of the worst of Carl Sagan's, "Demon Haunted World". If scientific evidence suggests that you might have to change your lifestyle then you look for "alternatives" that will provide you with a reason to not change. Science fact is not at issue, "selection" of your preferred "belief" is.

With regard to SD education in schools I have been on a minor campaign in Canada for several years and the overwhelming reaction is, "Don't bother us, we are not listening". They know that they do not have the resources to make any changes and no matter how beneficial to students it doesn't fit the political priorities that the "taxpayer" is promoting. I have personally witnessed in young school children the most appalling belief in the nuttiest of "internet myths" and a complete inability to critically assess what is clearly bogus information. The fact that neither their teachers or parents can, or are prepared to, help them with this is, of course, not new!

The prospects for SD never have been particularly good, but the outlook on a broader front are downright dismal.

Bill