Search Results for: science

Black cat in a dark room – and the role of science

There are some  really excellent quotes on social media – Facebook and Twitter. The one above really appeals to me. Sure the classifications are broad, and it would be interesting to break each one down. But the main message is … Continue reading

‘The Unbelievers’ and science

The World Premiere of  the film “The Unbelievers” took place on Monday in Toronto. The YouTube site for the film’s trailer describes it this way: “‘The Unbelievers’ follows renowned scientists Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss across the globe as they … Continue reading

A war between religion and science?

Alex Hern, writing in the New Statesman, has ticked off the Church of England (CofE) for their blatant misrepresentation of the statistics resulting from a survey they sponsored (see Church of England commits sins against statistics). He subtitled his piece: … Continue reading

Entertaining – and the science is good

I am spending some time dealing with family business so am reposting some of my past book reviews over the next few day. I reviewed this book recently, but its worth repeating. It’s fictional, but it’s about an important issue … Continue reading

The “dynamic duo” of science?

Well, that’s how someone described them. But I have generally found the discussions between Lawrence Krauss and Richard Dawkins stimulating. I first commented on these almost 5 years ago (see Lawrence Krauss – Richard Dawkins discussion). They have had a number … Continue reading

Science as the best, possibly only, way to truth

Here’s a brief essay by Peter Atkins, formerly Professor of Chemistry at Lincoln College, Oxford. Titled Science as Truth, Atkins tells it like it is, without compromising. Bound to upset some people? Peter Atkins: Science as Truth Thanks to The … Continue reading

“Divine commands” and personal conscience

Fifteen years ago I visited Israel and can vividly remember the sight of a rifle-carrying guard on a bus full of school children in the north-east. It brought home to me the reality of religious and political extremism which can … Continue reading

History of science – for Kiwis

Just heard that Rebecca Priestley, a New Zealand science historian and writer (catch her columns in the NZ Listener) is coordinating a new course at Victoria University of Wellington this year. It’s a completely on-line course – SCIE-302 – Special … Continue reading

Who is guilty of misusing science?

I know someone is going to accuse me of “scientism” for this. But I guess that goes with the science blogger’s job – and it’s a diversion anyway. It will hardly be the first time. What I want to dispute … Continue reading

Historians and sociologists lecture scientists – about science

Popular science presenters like Brian Cox are sometimes criticised by colleagues suffering from a bit of professional jealousy – although it’s a lot better than in the old days. I think most scientists today recognise the need for good science … Continue reading