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Lawrence Krauss On Scientists As Celebrities: Good For Science?

Lasrick writes: Lawrence Krauss explores the reasons why scientists such as Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman, Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, and Neil deGrasse Tyson became celebrities, and he shares his own experience as a best selling author and frequent guest on television programs like Jon Stewart's Daily Show. Krauss describes how public acclaim is often uncorrelated to scientific accomplishment and depends more on communication skills and personality traits. Nevertheless, he argues that the entire scientific community benefits when credible scientists gain a wider audience, and that celebrity is an opportunity that should not be squandered. Scientists who become recognizable have a chance and perhaps even a responsibility, which they have often exploited, to promote science literacy, combat scientific nonsense, motivate young people, and steer public policy discussions toward sound decision making wherever they can.

3 of 227 comments (clear)

  1. Say what? by 93+Escort+Wagon · · Score: 2, Informative

    ... scientists such as Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman, Carl Sagan, Stephen Hawking, and Neil deGrasse Tyson ...

    One of these names is not like the others,
    One of these names just doesn't belong.
    Can you tell me which name is not like the others,
    Before I finish this song?

    (okay, maybe it should be "two of these names...")

    --
    #DeleteChrome
  2. Re:Yes. by Chris+Mattern · · Score: 5, Informative

    That's twice you've gotten it wrong, now. "Star stuff". And, of course, we are. With the exception of the hydrongen atoms, almost every atom in our bodies was forged in the heart of an exploding star. Maybe you already knew that--but a lot of people don't, and many more never really stopped to think about. It really is amazing, you know.

  3. Re:Yes. by TapeCutter · · Score: 4, Informative

    Your mistake is not being alarmed by the facts.

    --
    And did you exchange a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage? - Pink Floyd.