Earlier this month, I commented on research into a possible relationship between social stratification and human sacrifice in early civilizations. Anthropologist and ESN blogger Kevin Birth quickly provided a significant critique of the study's methodology and the underlying assumptions. I imagine that kind of discussion might raise a few eyebrows; isn't science supposed to be objective, not to mention correct? If the study really is that flawed, how did it get published in such a prestigious journal? If it is valid, … [Read more...] about Science in Review: Have You Tried Turning Science Off And Turning It Back On Again?
Science
Science Corner: Lab Girl
I enjoy spending time in the lofty realm of scientific concepts, but it's important to remember that science is also a very concrete, human activity that occurs in specific contexts. The particulars of those contexts can strongly shape the practices and outcomes, no matter how we might wish that science is a purely democratic, egalitarian pursuit of truth (or Truth). This interview of A. Hope Jahren, author of Lab Girl, was a striking reminder of those human elements. As the piece notes, Jahren is not typical of … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Lab Girl
Finding Common Ground: Christians, Scientists, and History of Science
Dr. Josh Swamidass will be speaking about faith and science at several upcoming Veritas Forums. The first is this coming Monday, February 22, at the University of Montana. If you're in the area, check out details here. Here at ESN, we'll be running a short tie in series exploring aspects of faith/science interaction related to Josh's talks. This will be the first of a few posts, including several from Dr. Swamidass, and perhaps a piece or two from some of ESN's other thoughtful science writers as well. It … [Read more...] about Finding Common Ground: Christians, Scientists, and History of Science
Science Reader Question: What’s a Few Minutes Between Friends?
HC asks: How would you describe time? Last week I went a bit esoteric, musing that time is the feature of the universe that makes forgiveness necessary. Now let's try something a bit more basic. Time is the feature of the universe that we measure with clocks. As banal as that statement may be, it is possibly the only statement about time one can make with certainty. Time allows us to decide which events come before which other events and how rapidly or slowly the second followed after the first. And since time is … [Read more...] about Science Reader Question: What’s a Few Minutes Between Friends?
Science Reader Question: Time and Forgiveness
HC asks: How would you describe time? In Groundhog Day Phil Connors relives the same 24 hours continually, providing him limitless opportunities to correct his mistakes and live out the perfect day. It's a tantalizing fantasy, an opportunity not to act without consequence but to select precisely those consequences we desire while removing any possibility of regret. While our spinning planet and its cyclical orbit give our lives a semblance of repetition, we can only experience each moment once. Effects follow causes; … [Read more...] about Science Reader Question: Time and Forgiveness