Do Scientists Understand the Public?

Mab_Mass writes "The American Academy of Arts & Sciences has an interesting article on the relationship between scientists and the public. [Here's the paper itself, as a PDF.] Rather than point the finger at an 'ignorant' public, this article chastises the scientists for a poor understanding of how to communicate with non-technical people. With a look at the issues of climate change, nuclear waste disposal, genetics, and the future of the Internet, the article provides examples of how the experts in these fields are failing to present their message in a way that encourages public discussion and support."

Comments

Re:Einstein once said...

[geekoid]

That statement is not true.
Or rather when you explain complex things down to that level, there is too much room for misinterpretation.

For example it is perfectly reasonable for a 6 year old to ask "What is gravity?" Someone could say "It's the force the pulls things down"

The some people(religious people) will say, "no that's wrong because we would fall into the sun. Clearly it's Gods will."