My dad is teaching an undergrad course on scientific discoveries (he's developing it, so we don't even have a title yet.) Anyway, he's going to start with talking about science, the scientific method, psuedo and junk science and get around to hitting, among others, the Copernican revolution, Einstein, maybe quantum if he can figure out how to do that without confusing the hell out of everyone and ... darwinian evolution. I asked if he was going to mention FSM. He said, probably (though most likely in the introductory bit on science.)
I cracked up. I think that book is one of the most sucessful presents I've given him, even counting the Feynman letters one.
maybe quantum if he can figure out how to do that without confusing the hell out of everyone
I don't think that's possible....
Well, he isn't going to teach quantum, per se. More look at the impact it had on scientific knowlege. But even that gets you into some pretty high mindbendy concepts, so... It's been fun to hear about his ideas as he develops the course. And to call him up randomly and say
Did you know Newton was a whackaloon? You should mention that!
and other such brainstorms I have.
Thanks to everyone for their comments and advice! I ended up with the worst insomnia of several years last night, unable to let go of thoughts about my past and what I want for my family's future, and consequently saw dawn this morning from the wrong side of wakefulness. My wife called me in sick, so I'm just getting going for the day now.
Hey, I learned what dark energy was, Thursday. Trying to convince Sean Carroll to write a book explaining things like GR and why an assload of physicists don't believe in God to a general audience through essays.
Thus far, I still don't get it.
Okay. So. As of 9 minutes ago, I have an interview tomorrow morning.
I don't think I have anything to wear to an interview. This is a problem.
maybe quantum if he can figure out how to do that without confusing the hell out of everyone
I think Brian Greene did a pretty decent overview of quantum mechanics in his NOVA series.
I was gonna say. Brian Greene's books set the standard. They're very readable.
Yeah, I mentioned that one to him.
Allyson, convince him! I'm a broken record on the need for scientists to be good at communicating science to a general audience. It's important, damnit!
Plus general relativity is cool!
