I’m starting to get really hacked off with the old creationist vs scientist argument. I was fine with the thoughts of a scientist running for parliament:
Why the science candidate is standing for Parliament
Until the comment about “Wouldn’t you want to know that decisions are being made with by people who ‘do so from a position of scientific understanding’”
Now, see, it was just them and us to start with, god vs science, but then you had to throw in some politics and now I’m aggravated. Let me start by saying that I’m a firm believer in the majority of science having a PhD myself, but probably not for the reasons scientists usually bang on about. Predictability and provability. Lets discuss.
Predictability
So the scientists argue that they can predict with a fair amount of certainty the outcome of a lot of physical problems. For example the complicated science of sending things to orbit Jupiter or land on the moon (assuming we did actually go there). I agree this is pretty radical thinking, but then what about the prediction that if you go to Las Vegas you’re gonna end up poor. Or, if you play chase the ace or find the lady, you will loose. Ahhhh I hear you say, those last 2 are rigged. And, there are people who win the lottery or huge at craps… but they are the exception… and an exception to science?… Given this example of space, you’d think it’d be a pretty simple thing to land a little robot on the surface of Mars, but we only seem to be in the high 60% success range for that.. only just above pure chance.
Provability
God doesn’t exist because no-one can prove that he does. However science is real because someone has proved that stuff does what it does because… well, just because. I can’t prove anything about quantum mechanics because I don’t have the equipment to do it**. Therefore I have to trust that the guy telling me there is an equation that proves it… there’s some faith here!!! I can prove the existence of god in the same way. Take some LSD you’ll see him for yourself, and it’s only the scientists that say LSD is an hallucinogen, and what you see is not actually real – of course they’re gonna say that.
** Oh, also they are called theoretical particles for a reason!
Beliefs
So, having just proven that science is a belief, it is no better or worse than religion. People follow it because they can prove to themselves to their own level of satisfaction that it is the right thing to do.
Politics
Surely no-one cares how you make your decision, whether it be science, ouija board or divine voice; the people will let you represent them if they believe you have their best interests at heart. Scientists will agree with you, those where science has abandonned them will follow the other guy.
So, Mr PhD Brooks do your thing, represent your constituents and stop belittling your opposition and their beliefs, unless that’s all you’ve really got. Oh, and stop using your publication ability to further your political intentions. I’m sure that’s illegal somewhere. Get back to writing about science.
Bootnote: If people wanted value for money, they’d stop shelling out for stupid reports and sack half the middle management in local government… just for a start!!! Alternative therapy does help a lot of people… way more than the visible side of politics ever did!
