Science has struggled with contrition for a while, but the problem reflects a wider trend in society. Continue reading
Owning up
Coronavirus 2020
Recant re-can’t
The deathless persistence of the hydroxychloroquine story illustrates how hard it can be to let go of cherished beliefs. Continue reading
Too busy to think
Scientists need to allocate time for thinking as well as for doing, and especially so right now. Continue reading
Life membership
The attempted student ban enacted by the Trump administration was wrong. Denying students their university places because they were not physically present misunderstood so much of what university membership really embodies. Continue reading
Bolton’s book and Goodhart’s law
Donald Trump’s obsession with re-election illustrates the problems caused by metrics becoming targets. Continue reading
Put to the test
One of the easiest and sincerest ways of flattering hosts is to observe that they’re a proud people. And the wellspring, the essence of that pride, be it in nation, region, religion, sports club or street gang, is that almost every human grouping thinks it’s the best. In-group identity naturally comes with an encoded sense of self-esteem. You take pride in your group, and you therefore want to believe it’s better than the others. Continue reading
Survivor guilt, scientist guilt
What and how much must scientists do, to feel that they’ve done enough? Continue reading
Lockdown and out
The looming relaxation of coronavirus lockdown measures is exposing the public to the messy basis of scientific fact-building. Continue reading
Singing the pandemic blues (a musical interlude)
Here are the lyrics to the song Elton John didn’t perform at the One World: Together at Home concert.
To the tune of “I guess that’s why they call it the blues” by Elton John Continue reading
Death and Resurrection
For Christians (and some non-believers looking for calendar-based motivation), the buildup to Easter is a time of 40 days fasting, prayer, and penance. One of the more ironic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic is that most of the globe has been forced into a similar 40 days-or-more Lenten period of physical isolation and the deprivation of many societal comforts. This is penance, 21st century style, although the vast majority of those doing penance have nothing to repent. The punishment, such as it is, has been imposed by our governments. Continue reading
