Why Are Criticisms of Revered Scientists Often Discouraged?

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In summary, the conversation revolves around criticism of popular figures in the field of science, particularly Carl Sagan. Some argue that criticisms of these "Gods of Science" are not tolerated, while others believe that it is simply moderated for incoherent and baseless rantings. The original poster's thread was deemed as "silly" and lacking evidence to support their claims. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based discussions in the scientific community.
  • #1
IsaacKnewton
No "debunking" Gods of Science

How is it that criticisms of any of the Gods of Science, such as Carl Sagan, is not tolerated here? How is that?

Someone mentioned the Sagan Boloney Detector, and I copied the term and commented on it, and pow, thread destroyed.

It's somewhat like 1984 where everyone is equal but some are more equal than others.
Nobody is more equal than Gods of Science, such as Carl Sagan.

Science is not so advanced by pretensions of infallible grandeur.

Oh yes, some of his worshipers would claim "Carl is not around any longer to defend himself."
But if Carl were still alive, he assuredly would not be browsing around this place anyway, so that argument and its corollaries are utterly fatuous.
 
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  • #2


I saw your thread and it was silly. The forum censors incoherent, meaningless rantings. It doesn't censor criticism of popular figures (although actually they do when it's just plain crude). Your thread was the former. You just picked a random personality, decided on your own that he is seen as some sort of superhuman character in physics, complained about it, and then with no evidence to support your own claims, challenged everyone else to prove yourself wrong. That kind of garbage doesn't fly around here.
 
  • #3


Pengwuino said:
I saw your thread and it was silly. The forum censors incoherent, meaningless rantings. It doesn't censor criticism of popular figures (although actually they do when it's just plain crude). Your thread was the former. You just picked a random personality, decided on your own that he is seen as some sort of superhuman character in physics, complained about it, and then with no evidence to support your own claims, challenged everyone else to prove yourself wrong. That kind of garbage doesn't fly around here.

+1 on that
 
  • #4


Pengwuino said:
I saw your thread and it was silly. The forum censors incoherent, meaningless rantings. It doesn't censor criticism of popular figures (although actually they do when it's just plain crude). Your thread was the former. You just picked a random personality, decided on your own that he is seen as some sort of superhuman character in physics, complained about it, and then with no evidence to support your own claims, challenged everyone else to prove yourself wrong. That kind of garbage doesn't fly around here.

+1 too. Go peng!
 
  • #5


He's a previously banned crackpot.
 
  • #6


Evo said:
He's a previously banned crackpot.

Hurray for evo! :biggrin:
 

FAQ: Why Are Criticisms of Revered Scientists Often Discouraged?

What is "No debunking Gods of Science"?

"No debunking Gods of Science" is a concept that challenges the idea of blindly accepting scientific theories and discoveries as absolute truths without questioning or critically analyzing them. It encourages a healthy skepticism and encourages scientists to continuously question and challenge existing beliefs.

Why is it important to have a "No debunking" attitude in science?

Having a "No debunking" attitude in science promotes a culture of continuous learning and improvement. It allows for the reassessment of existing theories and discoveries, leading to a deeper understanding and potentially new breakthroughs. It also helps to avoid the pitfalls of blindly accepting incorrect or incomplete information.

Does "No debunking Gods of Science" go against the scientific method?

No, "No debunking Gods of Science" does not go against the scientific method. In fact, it aligns with the scientific method by promoting critical thinking and questioning of existing beliefs. The scientific method encourages experimentation, observation, and analysis, and "No debunking Gods of Science" encourages scientists to apply these principles to their own theories and discoveries.

How does "No debunking Gods of Science" affect the credibility of scientific findings?

"No debunking Gods of Science" does not undermine the credibility of scientific findings. On the contrary, it strengthens it by promoting a culture of critical thinking and continuous improvement. By constantly questioning and challenging existing beliefs, scientists can ensure that their findings are based on solid evidence and are not simply accepted as "facts" without proper scrutiny.

Are there any risks associated with a "No debunking" attitude in science?

As with any approach, there are potential risks associated with a "No debunking" attitude in science. One risk is that scientists may become overly critical and reject valid theories or discoveries without sufficient evidence. Another risk is that this attitude may be misinterpreted as anti-science or anti-establishment, leading to a lack of trust in scientific institutions. It is important for scientists to strike a balance between healthy skepticism and blind skepticism to avoid these risks.

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