• Question: Has becoming a scientist changed your opinions on anything?

    Asked by Carris to Marikka, Matt, Rob on 20 Nov 2014.
    • Photo: Robert Hampson

      Robert Hampson answered on 20 Nov 2014:

      I am more in awe of creation than I was before. I have more of a grasp of the complexity all around us and I have more of a grasp of exactly how much we simply don’t know. It does really increase my amazement!

    • Photo: Matt Bilton

      Matt Bilton answered on 21 Nov 2014:

      I think my opinion on what science IS has actually changed. Now I do research, I know that it’s not just interesting things about the world, but it is a way to make sure that we explain these things correctly. For me, science isn’t just to say, ‘This looks amazing – wow,’ but to answer, ‘How does this happen?’ and if someone comes up with a crazy theory to ask, ‘Is that really true?’.

      Even if a scientist says they have made a discovery, they might be totally wrong! Or they might only be partially right. It’s is really important to convince everyone else that what you say is the truth. This means showing other people all of your working and then exactly what answer you got. Then it is up to all of us to decide whether to believe your explanation or not.

      So actually, since I became a scientist I have started to be more skeptical of things people tell me – even other scientists – unless they can show me proof!

Comments