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Vigyantech India® |
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Vigyantech India® |
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| Frequently asked questions |
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Q. Why popularise science? A. There are several reasons why. But the minimal, and more than sufficient reason is to have a scientifically aware and scientifically literate populace, in an increasingly science and technology dependent world and day to day life. No aspect of our lives, including religion, is free today from the impact or influence of science and technology. Q. How relevant is traditional knowledge in today's context? A. It depends on the specific instance in question.And each instance would need to be examined scientifically and tested for validity. There have been instances both ways in almost all cultures. After all, traditional knowledge coming to us from past generations would have gotten "validated" (in some way or the other), on the way, repeatedly in fact. Depending on the nature of its utility and the validation that it has come through, there could be a specific instance where the traditional knowledge is no longer as relevant in the present context, as it might have been a generation or two ago. So, one can not give a blanket answer! Q. How do science popularisation efforts cope with traditional knowledge and wisdom? A. Part of the answer to this question has already been provided in the answer to the previous question. In addition, one of the basic premises in science popularisation efforts anywhere has to be that science popularisers have to learn from the traditional knowledge and wisdom already available with their target audiences and make appropriate use of it in their science popularisation efforts. This approach is also helpful in demolishing existing myths and superstitions and weaning people away from blind beliefs. Q. Is it possible to popularise science among the religious and the devout? A. We believe it is and, if you give it a little thought, you would immediately realise that this is the audience that needs science popularisation the most! We do realise that often along the line there would be contradictions, controversies and conflicts which would have to be dealt with and resolved. This is where the skills and ingenuity of the science populariser are put to real test. One only has to remember that some of the world's great scientists have also been devout and religious believers -- even though these are not the best of examples to site in favour of efforts aimed at popularising the method and values of science. Q. Can formal sceince education obviate the need for science popularisation? A. Thus far, formal science education has not been able to do so anywhere in the world -- not even in countries where near cent per cent literacy, and universalisation of school education, have been in place for decades! Perhaps, lacunae inherent in the prevailing system of science education -- despite continuing attempts at reforms -- are responsible for it. These have to do with the way students are taught and their learning evaluated through examinations -- and because of a lack of sufficient connection with and relevance of what is taught and so called "science practicals" to the way science and scientific principles actually get employed or are put to use in real-life situations. Q. Do countries with cent per cent literacy and cent per cent school enrolment need science popularisation? A. They most certainly do. Periodic surveys conducted among the populace in North America and Europe reveal shocking evidence of scientific illiteracy. Example: More than forty per cent of the Americans surveyed, as recently as the late 1990s, were not sure of whether the Sun goes around the Earth, or the Earth goes around the Sun. An earlier survey in America had revealed that more than eighty percent of those surveyed (between the ages 18 and 65 plus years) did not have any idea of what women's mensturation was, or what it was all about! Do we need to say more? Back |