Thursday, June 21, 2012
Even Rationalists Fall For Hype
The physics community is abuzz over expectations that the Higgs Boson has been discovered. Rumors and speculation are flooding the internet. Those responsible for analysis of collider data are counseling caution but that isn't stopping tongues from wagging. The scientific community might like to think of itself as bound by reason but researchers are as emotional as anyone else. Despite their training, they are not Spocks. The world has seen enough of scientists to know there are researchers who are good at promoting themselves and their views -- and in getting grants to continue their work. Others just as good go about their business quietly and never make a splash. Scientific hype is disappointing because of the trust the public places in science. One would hope there would be one place in the world where the public could always believe what it hears, but that isn't true -- and never will be.
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