A message for us all from Bob May

[Asolepius]

The UK's leading scientist speaks out here:

He called on scientists to take a more active role in speaking out against so-called "intelligent design" and other threats to modern scientific values.

"The only thing I can see scientists doing is being more energetic as citizens - getting out there and trying to convince people that that's not a very wise way to behave," he explained. "That's no easy recipe."

Keep at it folks!

 

[alfaniner]

Oh, and here I thought it was going to be


"Danger! Danger, Will Robinson!!"

 

[Soapy Sam]

Asolepius- I know who Robert May is, but in what sense do you use "Leading Scientist" here?
(Just P of RS?)

I never really thought of scientists as being led, so much as driven.

 

[Asolepius]

Asolepius- I know who Robert May is, but in what sense do you use "Leading Scientist" here?
(Just P of RS?)

I never really thought of scientists as being led, so much as driven.

Well yes. I was also remembering that he was Government Chief Scientist as well until recently. I suppose I could have said `a leading scientist', but I think he has earned the definite article. But I am quite happy to substitute `leading' for `pre-eminent'.

 

[geni]

Well yes. I was also remembering that he was Government Chief Scientist as well until recently. I suppose I could have said `a leading scientist', but I think he has earned the definite article. But I am quite happy to substitute `leading' for `pre-eminent'.

Depending on how you measure it others can claim both titles. ProfessorHarry Kroto might have a claim for a start. Professor Stephen Hawking would also have a claim.

 

[Asolepius]

Depending on how you measure it others can claim both titles. ProfessorHarry Kroto might have a claim for a start. Professor Stephen Hawking would also have a claim.

All right all right - I didn't mean to start a debate on who is the greatest living scientist! I just thought the message was important. Too many scientists have their noses on the lab bench, and it's good to see one expressing strong feelings on critical thinking.

 

[Soapy Sam]

Never underestimate our ability to go off at a tangent!

 

[Mojo]

Well yes. I was also remembering that he was Government Chief Scientist as well until recently. I suppose I could have said `a leading scientist', but I think he has earned the definite article. But I am quite happy to substitute `leading' for `pre-eminent'.

Perhaps he could be 'Australia's leading scientist' instead.

 

[Just thinking]

Title of article: Science faces 'dangerous times'.

Has science ever not faced dangerous times (for its own sake)?

 

[Asolepius]

Title of article: Science faces 'dangerous times'.

Has science ever not faced dangerous times (for its own sake)?

I think May is referring to the present degree of danger. Science is not popular in schools, is mistrusted by the public, and is being eroded by sociology and New Age thinking.

 

[Mojo]

I think May is referring to the present degree of danger. Science is not popular in schools...

See here, for example.