Quote:
Originally Posted by Salty
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However, describers include poets, journalists, technical writers and teachers. It seems to me, maybe more misinformation on my part, but it seems to me, that scientists like to set themselves apart from other professions. If true, then, I think scientists err. They're still part of the human race, equation and/or experience. And, they do have to answer to the rest of us. Yes, there's lay social pressure just as important as scientist peer pressure. Since we foot the bill, maybe more important.
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As someone else mentioned, I've seen the same argument used about artists deciding on the use of public money for the arts (artists deciding what is art), as just one example.
But I don't think that is the case here.
First, I think that CERN has done a lot to try to answer all these questions for the general public. I'm too lazy to find the particular links, but I know they are in this thread. Other scientists, including some of us right here on BAUT, have also done their part to facilitate communications.
And it is not like CERN just decided last week to build the LHC and "crank this baby up and see what happens". They, and the holders of their purse strings have had many, many years to examine this project and these questions.
Lastly, I really don't think there is any huge public outcry on this issue, that there are waves of fear sweeping over the Earth about what those crazy scientists are doing. Frankly, I have had many more questions from non-scientists about the annual August "Mars as big as the Moon" e-mail and similar nonsense, than about the LHC.
I don't think this is a question of "Science" ignoring the majority opinion of concern. IMHO, I think this is a case of a few crackpots trying to make much ado about nothing and trying to use the US court system to do so. And a Press too enamored of the Silly and the Sensational trying to milk it for all it is worth.