Open Mindedness

[kipspritely]

http://www.dailymotion.com/user/totocacapouet/video/x8uei4_openmindedness_tech

 

[BrandonD]

http://www.dailymotion.com/user/totocacapouet/video/x8uei4_openmindedness_tech

Interesting video. Too bad the video's description of science doesn't reflect science in reality, even in the slightest.

Perhaps at one time in history the highest goal of science was to understand the reality in which we exist, but today science is simply a business, or another branch of politics. Their highest goal is to acquire power and influence as an institution.

Because of this, contemporary scientists think unscientifically as often as laymen.

 

[kipspritely]

All of what you just said is a generalization. Not all science is business. Case in point: the open source movement, 1 laptop per child, and many others around the world trying to solve the problems of today.

 

[BrandonD]

All of what you just said is a generalization. Not all science is business. Case in point: the open source movement, 1 laptop per child, and many others around the world trying to solve the problems of today.

The examples you gave are not examples of science or scientists. They are examples of technicians and humanitarian organizations.

I work at a software company, my co-worker is on a team developing an open-source chess engine. Is he a scientist? Not to most peoples' consideration.

What I said before is a generalization, but that doesn't change the fact that it is largely true. Contemporary scientific research is largely motivated by agendas, not open-ended exploration of reality. This is based much upon the fact that the agents of science are human beings who are working for financial gain.

I tend to react when I see the baseless deification of contemporary science and "scientists". But surely you noticed the generalizations in the video as well?

"Unscientific" ideas? It is only through consensus that an idea is considered scientific or unscientific. A spherical earth was once considered an unscientific idea.

 

[kipspritely]

The video is promoting critical thinking. Not once did I see scientists deified.

 

[BrandonD]

The video is promoting critical thinking. Not once did I see scientists deified.

You're right, I agree with the video in principle. It's mainly his assertion of "unscientific" concepts that is hypocritical and inaccurate.

 

[skunkape]

A spherical earth was once considered an unscientific idea.

I think the next step is convincing the consensus that Earth is a hypersphere.
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[conor]

All of what you just said is a generalization. Not all science is business. Case in point: the open source movement, 1 laptop per child, and many others around the world trying to solve the problems of today.

They're few and far between because big science needs big money, and thus big business, which will not invest in things that aren't of immediate interest to them.

Hopefully it will change. I live in hope

 

[BrandonD]

Hopefully it will change. I live in hope

Well I doubt the institutions will change, but I do think there have always been individuals outside of the institutions who are living the idealistic concept of science that is described in that video.

But those members of the institution of science are mostly clock-punchers, celebrities and politicians.

 

[conor]

Well I doubt the institutions will change, but I do think there have always been individuals outside of the institutions who are living the idealistic concept of science that is described in that video.

But those members of the institution of science are mostly clock-punchers, celebrities and politicians.

I would agree with you to a certain extent. There is good work being done in mainstream science, however. It's the funding that's the problem. I'm sure if most scientists had the choice into what projects they wanted funded and how much money they could get, then most of them would probably work on the really pressing matters.

I think that business is slow to move in directions which are not immediately self-serving.

Obama's advocation of scientific data as opposed to Bush's anti-intellectualism is promising. Hopefully big business will begin turning towards more sustainable minded goals.

Who said recessions are nessecarily bad things? This may be the wake up call that's needed. Scientists are unfortunately at the whim of their investors. They're probably as pissed off about the situation as we are.

Let's not get started about the Church of Dawkins....

 

[BrandonD]

I would agree with you to a certain extent. There is good work being done in mainstream science, however. It's the funding that's the problem. I'm sure if most scientists had the choice into what projects they wanted funded and how much money they could get, then most of them would probably work on the really pressing matters.

I think that business is slow to move in directions which are not immediately self-serving.

Obama's advocation of scientific data as opposed to Bush's anti-intellectualism is promising. Hopefully big business will begin turning towards more sustainable minded goals.

Who said recessions are nessecarily bad things? This may be the wake up call that's needed. Scientists are unfortunately at the whim of their investors. They're probably as pissed off about the situation as we are.

Let's not get started about the Church of Dawkins....

I agree, well said.

 

[Jose Collado]

I love the argument of "open mindedness". I especially love the way science is targeted as an area of close mindedness.

I guess people forget the luxuries of today's technology and medical breakthroughs were the result of open mindedness.

Ah well...