Science is much more than a body of knowledge. It is a way of thinking. This is central to its success. Science invites us to let the facts in, even when they don`t conform to our preconceptions. It counsels us to carry alternative hypotheses in our heads and see which ones best match the facts. It urges on us a fine balance between no-holds-barred openness to new ideas, however heretical, and the most rigorous skeptical scrutiny of everything - new ideas and established wisdom. We need wide appreciation of this kind of thinking. It works. It`s an essential tool for a democracy in an age of change. Our task is not just to train more scientists but also to deepen public understanding of science.
Why We Need To Understand Science
Carl SaganAmerican astronomer, astrophysicist, cosmologist, author 9 November 1934 — 20 December 1996 |
Skeptical Inquirer Vol. 14, Issue 3 |
Details:Time of publication: August 10, 2013 Length: 703 characters Favorited by: 0 member |