If Science Is to Save Us

De: Martin Rees

Narrado por: Derek Perkins

There has never been a time when 'following the science' has been more important for humanity. At no other point in history have we had such advanced knowledge and technology at our fingertips, nor had such astonishing capacity to determine the future of our planet.

But the decisions we must make on how science is applied belong outside the lab and should be the outcome of wide public debate. For that to happen, science needs to become part of our common culture. Science is not just for scientists: if it were, it could never save us from the multiple crises we face. For science can save us, if its innovations mesh carefully into society and its applications are channeled for the common good.

As Martin Rees argues in this expert and personal analysis of the scientific endeavor on which we all depend, we need to think globally, we need to think rationally and we need to think long-term, empowered by twenty-first-century technology but guided by values that science alone cannot provide.

©2022 Martin Rees (P)2022 Tantor

Constant Nagging Diatribe

A genuine desire to improve education for both the recipients of that education and of the public in general pervades the book. However it only briefly touches on the actual need to transcend the Doctoral system that perpetuates the fawning and ass-kissing that the system enthrones that doesn’t lend itself to real creative thought and research. Far be it from a doctoral student to have ideas out of line with old professor fudnik or Doctor pambynamby.
The revision of that system to more of a meritocratic mean is key.