Ask a physicist anything. (7)

[gattaca]

Ask a physicist anything.

if scientists are so clever why is the world in such a mess?

 

[acropolis]

if scientists are so clever why is the world in such a mess?

The scientists are too busy doing science to bother running the world in a more sane way.

 

[Wiccan_Child]

if scientists are so clever why is the world in such a mess?

Because scientists do not run the world, and those who do aren't scientists. Scientists may well be very clever people, but politicians are not.

 

[Orogeny]

if scientists are so clever why is the world in such a mess?

Because politicians don't listen to us? Maybe we should let scientists run the world for a couple years, see how it goes. Sure couldn't hurt.

 

[gattaca]

Because politicians don't listen to us? Maybe we should let scientists run the world for a couple years, see how it goes. Sure couldn't hurt.

which law of nature has stopped scientists from running for office?

the reality is that for every one problem scientists solve,

scientists create ten new problems.

 

[Chalnoth]

which law of nature has stopped scientists from running for office?

Some do. But most of the time it's because scientists are more interested in, you know, science.

the reality is that for every one problem scientists solve,

scientists create ten new problems.

Antibiotics and vaccines have saved billions of lives. None of the supposed bad things you think scientists have done can compare to that.

 

[gattaca]

Antibiotics and vaccines have saved billions of lives. None of the supposed bad things you think scientists have done can compare to that.

Antibiotics and vaccines have allowed billions of people with weak immune systems to contaminate the human gene pool. So that now we have a world full of billions of weaklings totally dependent on the pharmaceutical industrial complex.

thank you scientists.

 

[Chalnoth]

Antibiotics and vaccines have allowed billions of people with weak immune systems to contaminate the human gene pool. So that now we have a world full of billions of weaklings totally dependent on the pharmaceutical industrial complex.

thank you scientists.

So, these people are better off dead?

P.S. And by the way, most of the people that would have died from these diseases would have had no weaker immune systems than you or I.

 

[pgp_protector]

Chalnoth, just remember you're trying to convince someone that thinks homeless people should be executed.

the age limit could be 45. and

compulsory death for all criminals.

compulsory death for all unemployed men.

compulsory death for all homeless people.

compulsory abortions for all pregnant women on welfare.

because this is a very good way of reducing the population.

 

[gattaca]

So, these people are better off dead?

what have scientists got against natural selection?

 

[FrenchyBearpaw]

if scientists are so clever why is the world in such a mess?

Religious dogma.

 

[gattaca]

Religious dogma.

Classic victim mentality. Blame every one else.

So scientists shouldn’t take any responsibility for the state of the world today?

Are scientists unwilling or just unable to make the world a better place.

 

[mzungu]

if scientists are so clever why is the world in such a mess?

If there is a God then why is this world in such a mess?

 

[Chalnoth]

Chalnoth, just remember you're trying to convince someone that thinks homeless people should be executed.

Wow. So an anti-science fan of eugenics? Lovely.

 

[Orogeny]

which law of nature has stopped scientists from running for office?

If only it were so simple.

the reality is that for every one problem scientists solve,

scientists create ten new problems.

The polio vaccine, which solved the problem of polio.
Harnessing electricity, which solved the problems of safe and efficient nighttime lighting, long term food storage, quick long-distance communication, and popping bags of Orville Redenbacher Butter Lover's popcorn.
The discovery of fluorine, which led to fluoridated toothpastes, which solves the problem of British people's teeth.
The discovery of radiatioactivity, which solved problems in energy production, cancer treatment, fire prevention, and determining the age of geologic strata.
The isolation of Helium, which solved the problem of dirigibles bursting into flame, and not being able to talk in a very high voice.
The isolation of Neon, which solved the problem of easily identifying from afar whether or not a pub is open. It also solved the problem, when coupled with helium, of not being able to play with laser pointers.
The discovery and harnessing of magnetism, which solved problems in medicine, navigation, transportation, energy, and the efficient mounting of childrens' art work.

Alright then. I've identified 19 different areas where science has solved a problem. Now it's your turn to list 190 problems that scientists have created. Feel free to ask your friends for help!

 

[Wiccan_Child]

Classic victim mentality. Blame every one else.

So scientists shouldn’t take any responsibility for the state of the world today?

Are scientists unwilling or just unable to make the world a better place.

The latter. Scientists are not politicians - there may well be the odd politician who's a scientist, but the majority are not. Scientists improve the world through science, not through politics. They develop the vaccines, not the taxation policies to distribute them.

First, it's disingenuous to talk about all the millions of scientists as if they're a single entity without making the concession that the best this discussion can do is talk about averages and trends.
Second, scientists, by and large, are both willing and able to make the world a better place, and most do help the world. The mess of the world is due to politics and religion, not science.

 

[Nabobalis]

what have scientists got against natural selection?

Natural selection is fine for animals with no compassion, we however do care about other humans and are better for it.

 

[Chalnoth]

Natural selection is fine for animals with no compassion, we however do care about other humans and are better for it.

Well, except that a lot of animals have compassion too.

 

[selfinflikted]

Well, except that a lot of animals have compassion too.

Indeed, just not the means to act on it.

 

[Chalnoth]

Indeed, just not the means to act on it.

Well, a lot of them have that, too. Really depends upon what animal you're talking about.