I thank Dave for his posting, which addresses the controversial topic of
subjectivity in science. Many scientists condemn any hint of subjectivity
even though it is always present. I have run into this a lot because I have
been advocating the use of fuzzy logic, which is often rejected out of hand
because of the overtones of subjectivity.
It is intersting that reference to paradigms does not generate the same
hostility, even though the concept implies that the whole field is prone to
subjective bias!
Bill Silvert
----- Original Message -----
From: "David M. Lawrence" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: domingo, 26 de Setembro de 2010 17:02
Subject: Re: [ECOLOG-L] Naturefaking in media
Scientists do "story selection" all the time, though they may be
reluctant to admit it. They (we) select the hypotheses to be tested, then
select the subjects, data to be collected, field and analytical methods,
presentation methods, etc. It's not much different than what documentary
filmmakers or journalists do. All are choices driven by the need to make
the best use of the medium you are communicating in.
Scientists shouldn't be so blind to the "subjectivity" that goes into
their work. Such blindness, as we have seen in the scientific controversy
over the past few years, has helped feed the erosion of credibility that
many institutions in our society have felt.
Dave
