Stephen Hawking Turned Down Knighthood

schliz writes "Professor Stephen Hawking has revealed that he turned down the offer of a knighthood over 10 years ago. The scientist has released correspondence showing that he was approached with the offer of a knighthood but refused it on principle. Professor Hawking has also revealed correspondence showing harsh criticism of what he sees as the UK government's mismanagement of science funding. He is particularly critical of the merger of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council and the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils."

Comments

Re:source of knighthood vs source of funding

[Richard_at_work]

Generally knighthoods and other honours are given out based on recommendations by ministers of the current government, the queen actually has very little say in the matter - she controls the Order of the Garter completely however.

Reading comprehension

[rgmoore]

It looks to me as though you're confusing two parts of the article. It's actually talking about two sets of correspondence, one about the knighthood and one about funding disputes. On the knighthood, it says:

"Professor Hawking does not like titles. In fact he dislikes the whole concept of them," a spokesman told The Times.

So he turned the knighthood down because he dislikes knighthood in principle. That seems like a reasonable position, and a willingness to turn down personal advancement on a matter of principle seems like an honorable decision. The arguments about funding were a separate issue and, apparently, one that came about some time after he turned down the knighthood.

Re:What do you get with knighthood?

[thsths]

> In fact I have trouble thinking of an example that fits your claim. Basically the key to British (and most) fame is to be famous in your lifetime first.

What about Alan Turing? Of course he is still much better received abroad than in his own country, but he is a perfect example of an unrecognised genius. He was used to win the war, and then dumped like a hot potato.

Re:Good for him

[h4rm0ny]

It's all advertising. Hawking effectively calls more attention to his issues by rejecting the honour than by accepting.

It is not all advertising. He quietly refused the title ten years ago and this is the first we've heard of it as far as I'm aware. Everything points to this being a point of principle for him, not a means of gaining publicity. I guess you've shown that it sometimes is possible to be too cynical after all.