Adam Frank’s article, Welcome to the Age of
Denial, has a well-intended message behind words that do not justify his
beliefs in a flattering way.
Frank mentions that his dream of teaching science
has come true except for the fact that, “…instead of sending my students into a
world that celebrates the latest science has to offer, I am delivering them
into a society ambivalent, even skeptical, about the fruits of science.” This
viewpoint demonstrates his lack in recognition of the reasoning that today’s
society demands and reveals an unrealistic idea; everyone should be intrigued
by science.
Scientists should be open-minded, skeptical, and
willing to accept challenges to former beliefs. Frank appears to be set in his
belief system and uses bias language such as “silliness like creationism” in
his article. Not only is that an offensive comment, but it is unprofessional in
trying to support his point. His obvious passion and respect for science are not
negative, but there are better ways to show it. He assumes that only a small
handful of people have a care for anything science-related without taking into
account the plethora of science available and accessible to the public at any
time. The fact that research is still conducted, labs exist, colleges provide
science majors, scientific magazines are published, science-related headlines
make the news and various other means of exposure are surrounding the globe,
means that we should not share Frank’s anxious concern about science dying out.
There are more resources, scientists, and research studies today than during
the scientific revolution of the 17th century!
I do believe that science is underrated in our day
and age, but instead of trying to force it down the throats of those who have little
interest, I believe a more subtle encouragement would be more effective in
grabbing a wider group of people’s attention. If school systems provided
practical, hands-on, scientific experiments or activities during early years of
elementary school, then children may have a higher interest in learning about
science to begin with. I know if that were to have been my experience, I would
have had a heightened interest in science compared to what I developed. Simple
steps could make a world of difference in impressing upon people the positive and
attractive side of science rather than the negative feedback received through
forcing it upon people. The death or complete disinterest in science is not
something we should hold as a concern. Instead, we should be more aware of the
impression it has on people because that’s a major factor in the amount of
interest shown in science.
Bethany, it was interesting to see someone who disagreed with the authors assertions because most people just took the easy road and agreed with him. After reading this looked back and did notice that his assertions were somewhat heavy handed and belittling of the common people. Your views really helped me see it from a new perspective.
ReplyDelete-Calvin