Bright Scientists, Dim Notions

NY Times ^ | October 28, 2007 | GEORGE JOHNSON

[Sherman Logan]

You must get lots of exercise. All that jumping to conclusions.

You will have to look pretty hard to find any indication that I am in favor of such things, as of course I am not, as can be seen if you read my various posts on this thread.

Capitalism would be more productive if less-productive members of society were regularly removed. Science would be able to advance the bounds of knowledge more quickly if there were no ethical or legal restrictions on what scientists could do.

So what?

My whole point was that pursuit of knowledge (science) or increase of wealth (capitalism) are not the supreme values. They are amoral tools that are really good only insofar as they promote the real, human values.

I posted this because I believe people often start to think of science and capitalism and other means to a desirable end as being themselves ends that should be pursued almost regardless of anything else.

Knowledge and wealth are good things, but they are NOT the most important things.

[null and void]

When the birdies see us coming the all try and run and hide...

[onedoug]

...to another time/place.

Like when and where? The universe is only so old. And they weren't from this solar system.

[Alamo-Girl]

Oh my, someone's "holy writ" is being gored here.... And the high priests at the NYT are calling it to our attention. Evidently maintaining lockstep consensus around the "holy of holies" of Liberalism is more important than following the scientific trail wherever it may lead.

Sad but true - and strangely, funny to watch.

Thank you so much for your excellent insights, dearest sister in Christ!

[MrEdd]

The Nobel Peace prize is awarded by politicians, a very different process than that used for the scientific selection.

Go back into your bomb shelter and try to return to yesterday. Not only are you completely wrong about how all the Nobel Prizes of the 21st century are awarded, but you aren't going to like any of the other changes to the world since you entered your time capsule any better.