Reflections on the 4 Readings

Almost all of these articles (besides Improving Scientific Communication) discuss the importance of communicating important scientific concepts to the general public in a way they can understand it. It’s apparent that some of the articles were written during one of the presidential campaigns when many politically relevant science topics are brought to light. I thought Framing Science was an interesting article because of how it argued that scientists should move away from technical aspects of their research in order to make it more accessible to the general public. While it may be true that scientists have their own language with which they discuss their concepts, I don’t think it’s far to say that scientists have to shy away from technical terms. The fact that science needs to be dumbed down (as the article makes it seem) for the general public says a lot about the state of science education in our country. Sure, the average adult won’t be able to read a scientific journal and understand it at first glace (especially since new scientific discoveries often reference work going on in the field that most people won’t be following up on), but they would be capable of understanding complex scientific theories if it is explained thoroughly and clearly in relation to current scientific discoveries.

Additionally, the fact that the general public in relation to theism debates scientific theories and practices such as evolution or stem cell research says a lot about how children are being educated. I think schools should not be allowed to push Creationism as a truth and demonize the theory of evolution for being “sacrilegious.” Children should be free to learn about scientific theories (keep in mind the word theory, which implies that even these concepts are not concrete fact) without being pushed by adults to consider religious aspects. Too much emphasis is placed on religious education in schools for the general public to be able to have a proper discussion on scientific topics. Religion is pushed upon the young while they are still susceptible to influence, meaning they eventually turn into adults who don’t question what they are taught as children. If everyone was given a chance to learn about both theistic and secular concepts at a young age, they could give new theories a chance, even if it goes against their belief systems. And if everyone could consider new scientific theories for what they are saying (without concerning themselves with religious implications), there would be much more room for intelligent debate and the creating of solutions.

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