One of the problems when dealing with a topic like ours is the fact that there are many misconceptions surrounding Science as a discipline that seem to have become almost welded in place. Not only are these myths rife among the general population, but in the scientific community itself even as it prides itself on its impartiality and rigorous discipline many misconceptions abound.
As an introduction to this disconcerting topic let me direct you to the TEN MYTHS OF SCIENCE as spelled out by William McComas of the School of Education, University of Southern California. You can read more here.
As time goes by we would like to add here a list of our own as we stumble across them.
Dispelling Some Common Myths about Science
"'The Scientific Method' is really many methods, including aspects of basic intelligence found in infants and animals." Dr. Terry Halwes chews through a lot provocative ideas about this subject. The opinions are of course those of the author. Much of it makes sense to me. See what you think.
Common Misconceptions about Science
...Here is a website that touches on many of the issues mentioned in the heading plus several additional ones. The opinions are of course those of the author of the webpage. You decide.
Reflections on the Blank Slate
...Nature vs Nurture. Everyone seems to agree that the issue is dead and buried, yet the debate continues. Recently John Dupre gave a short talk on the subject followed by a Q & A. It was held at the Live Theatre in Newcastle. Dupre is Professor of Philosophy of Science and Head of Sociology at the University of Exeter.
Author and journalist, Matt Ridley was the host of a public discussion with author Steven Pinker as part of the University of Newcastle's public lecture programme. Pinker is Professor of Psychology at MIT.
Professor Pinker especially, has pushed the debate into the mainstream with his recent book 'The Blank Slate'. In it he argues that there are many myths operating in society that can be traced directly to a subtle but fervent belief in three discredited notions. He calls these a belief in the "Blank Slate", the "Noble Savage" and the "Ghost in the Machine". This website is as good an introduction as any which may pursuade you to read further.
Science and You
