Andy
yes scientists need a 3rd party precisely because they are like today's
footballers. They may believe their specialisation gives them the one and
only insight into what they do.But their paymasters today can muzzle them
as does the government and few at the cutting edge speak freely. They may
find their identity wrapped in their role as scientist so criticism is
taken personally.
After a recent "eminent scientists explain GM to the public" at Oxford a
biology undergraduate well up in the field from working at Rothamsted came
away
disgusted at the arrogant and condescending attitude of the scientists and
declared "All scientists should go on a course to understand the public"
To be fair, many scientists and engineers are aware of their limitations in
explaining themselves to the public and are happy for me to do this for
them
thanks for starting a long overdue debate Andy
Barbara
Barbara Wood-Kaczmar
tel/fax 01279 724371
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