On the Myth of Debatable Science
Science is not a debate. It is not a conversation between opposing points of view. It is not a balanced discussion of belief systems.
scientific method
Can big science be sustained?
We can’t know for sure, of course, whether the climate cataclysm will destroy scientific knowledge. But what we can see is that we are on a so-far unwavering path to climate catastrophe…
Science, Belief, and Democracy
The United States was founded on ideas that reflected Enlightenment thinking, including the importance of science and the separation of church and state.
Like Previous Pandemics, COVID-19 Will Shape the Fates of Nations
The ways that nations respond to the pandemic today will largely determine their fortunes and fates over the next couple of decades at least, and perhaps beyond.
Science Denialism is Dangerous. But So is Science Imperialism.
Calls for strict science-based decision making on complex issues like GMOs and geoengineering can shortchange consideration of ethics and social impacts.
Open Minds, Open Doors
True innovation, or that “call to revolution”, requires disruptive thinking. And you cannot do that without an open mind. To meet the challenges of producing food sustainably, we will need innovations and we will need to think disruptively about current ways of producing food. To go back to Charles’ words – the clues are in the inherent genius of nature. We would do well to open our minds to those who try to find sustainable answers through these routes. Together we might open doors to new discoveries.
Trump: the Defeat of Science
Defeats are supposed to teach people how to do better; in theory. In practice, it often happens that defeats teach people how to become masters in blame-shifting.
The post-fact world and the need for a new consensus
Debate is no longer a means to find the truth by testing ideas against the questions and criticisms of other, it is mostly propaganda designed to win no matter what the truth is.
Scientific Education as a Cause of Political Stupidity
While we’re discussing education, the theme of the current series of posts here on The Archdruid Report, it’s necessary to point out that there are downsides as well as upsides to take into account.
The View From Outside
Despite the rockets and rayguns that provide so much of its local color, science fiction is always about the present, which it displays in an unfamiliar light by showing a view from outside, from the distant perspective of an imaginary future.
What I Learned from my Garden in 2014
2014’s garden data is in. How did my garden respond to the questions I put to it this year? Read on and find out!
Questions for garden crops to answer in 2014
The dialogue I’m conducting with my garden includes these questions that I’m asking the crops to answer for me.