Here’s a photo of a frosty holiday morning in California. The frost illustrates the physics that determines the global climate. And climate is but one of the current worries of scientific associations, who worry about a frosty government. Continue reading
Blog Posts and Writings Tagged: anti-science
Blog 111. Nuclear Paranoia
Seeing the term “nuclear paranoia,” you might think of hostile countries that are developing nuclear weapons—such as Iran or North Korea. But the term applies closer to home. Continue reading
Blog 104. Why scientists have no power
Not electrical power. The other kind, social power. The ability to influence other people and events. What psychologist Dacher Keltner says is the ability to make a difference. Continue reading
Blog 102. Media fairness is phony
In the June 21-27 issue of The Nation magazine,* journalism professor Eric Alderman says America has been “badly served” by the format of the media he calls “phony both sides.” Continue reading
Blog 91. Can just anyone open a scientist’s email?
The 1/10/2016 New York Times (1/9/2016 web edition) offered an op-ed entitled, “Scientists, Give Up Your Emails.” The author, a journalist named Paul Thacker, asserted that agencies (including universities) should not keep secret the personal communications of scientists who work for the government. Continue reading
Blog 88. Will nations ever come together?
“The question looms like a cloud over United Nations negotiations in Paris this month—the 21st such attempt to forge an international agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions. A big reason for failing to find common ground is American intransigence on the role of government.” Continue reading
Blog 85. Should scientists become advocates?
Scientists are committed to tell the truth, as best they can from the measurements they make in the physical world. But you can’t apply a scientific statement, however true, to just any situation. Continue reading
Blog 83. Headlines, hubris and earth science
“Budget meddling by congress?” We would rather read something terrible, tragic, or titillating. And short. Continue reading