On not understanding religion | 82 comments (82 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: On not understanding religion (4.00 / 3)

I don't know about grisly but it can be very boring.

I've spent months on end in the lab doing mind-numbing repetitive experiments just to create one graph. But when it works, and it all slots together in my head and I can see what is in front of me, it's amazing. Ironically, it can take a lot of faith to keep going in the hope that those moments will materialise.

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Mon Dec 31st, 2007 at 08:10:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: On not understanding religion (4.00 / 2)

The grisly parts have to do mostly with priority disputes, senior scientists stealing credit from junior scientist or even students, disputes over funding and hiring, power plays in departments, doctoring of data...

But if you want really grisly a biography of Newton would be a good read.

We have met the enemy, and he is us — Pogo

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Dec 31st, 2007 at 08:16:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: On not understanding religion (4.00 / 3)

Very true, but power games and corruption of that kind occur everywhere.

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Mon Dec 31st, 2007 at 08:20:41 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: On not understanding religion (4.00 / 2)

I prefer Lakatos' account of Newton's discoveries, what he called the heuristics of scientific investigation. My comment may not have conveyed the field of my argument which refers only to your comment:

Nobody actually tells young people what the actual day to day practice of science is like, because it would be too discouraging :-)

Which recalls Helen:

Yes, rationality itself isn't enough, it doesn't inspire.

I'm not discussing the backbiting and low blows that characterize all human activity, not just the sciences. Therefore I see no reason to single out this behaviour as pertinent to scientific endeavour.

So, to be more precise: Rationality and all that derives is far more inspiring. Rationality sets the necessary constraints to creativity. As for the day to day practice of science, the heuristics necessary to confront theory with facts, it's hard work, frustrating and exalting, but not boring.

by de Gondi (publiobestia aaaatttthotmaildaughtusual) on Mon Dec 31st, 2007 at 08:56:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: On not understanding religion (4.00 / 2)

I agree with all you say but for the last 3 words. The day to day practice really can be very boring indeed.

When you have put together hundreds of chemical solutions to do the same experiment for each one with repeat readings for each, all having to be done manually, requiring no let up in concentration and taking from 8am through to 9pm without anything but short breaks and taking many weeks to complete - then come back and tell me the process isn't boring!

I far preferred working in a factory because I could do my tasks without thinking about them which left my brain free to wander to more interesting things.

I suppose that any chosen career will have it's dull periods though.

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Mon Dec 31st, 2007 at 09:05:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: On not understanding religion (4.00 / 2)

I get your point. Fortunately I'm at an age where I can delegate the grunt work in my profession if I feel the need. I however am very glad I went through that stage. It does build discipline and craft.

As I'm a chronic life-long daydreamer I still manage to think outside the task at hand despite necessary attention. Too much concentration is detrimental in my case. I'm prone to step out of my immediacy and monitor muscular tension or my movements as I work, or at times what is going on in my mind. A sort of silent meta-thinking that I greatly enjoy.

by de Gondi (publiobestia aaaatttthotmaildaughtusual) on Mon Dec 31st, 2007 at 10:13:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: On not understanding religion (none / 1)

I enjoy that but when I let my mind wander I would lose count or get the concentration wrong which required starting over again and wasting a day's work.

It was good for discipline and hones attention to detail but, I much prefer day dreaming. Some of my best ideas have emerged from a wandering brain.

by In Wales (inwales aaat eurotrib.com) on Mon Dec 31st, 2007 at 10:22:22 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: On not understanding religion (4.00 / 4)

A wandering brain is far more creative. Focusing goes sterile but sort of leaves the problem to be solved lurking around for the wondering brain to tackle.

Nothing beats daydreaming!

by de Gondi (publiobestia aaaatttthotmaildaughtusual) on Mon Dec 31st, 2007 at 12:25:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

On not understanding religion | 82 comments (82 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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