Here is some cogent text from James Burke, a guy right at the top of my `man-I-wish-I-was-that-smart' list. He is noted for his television series "Connections", "The Day the Universe Changed", "Tomorrow's World", and "The Burke Special".
I agree... Great shows, my favorites. Should be required in school. ...
*** the first sentence from the Preface ***
You are what you know.
*** the last five paragraphs in the book ***
...
Such a system would permit a type of `balanced anarchy' in which all interests could be represented in a continuous reappraisal of the social requirements for knowledge, and the value judgements to be applied in directing the search for that knowledge. The view that this would endanger the position of the expert by imposing on his work the judgement of the layman ignores the fact that science has always been the product of social needs, counscioulsy expressed or not. Science may well be a vital part of human endeavour, but for it to retain the privilege which it has gained over centuries of being in some measure unaccountable, would be to render both science itself and society a disservice. It is time that knowledge became more accessible to those to whom it properly belongs.
*** end of quoted material ***
I'm left wondering what exactly he was envisioning with this. Any thoughts? sdw -- Stephen D. Williams Local Internet Gateway Co.; SDW Systems 513 496-5223APager LIG dev./sales Internet: sdw@lig.net sdw@meaddata.com OO R&D Source Dist. By Horse: 2464 Rosina Dr., Miamisburg, OH 45342-6430 Comm. Consulting ICBM: 39 34N 85 15W I love it when a plan comes together