In Sundays NYRB, there's a letter by Markus Mester (of Cambridge, Mass) reacting to Judith Shulevitz's essay on "Evolutionism," which I have not read. Our correspondent assures us that scientists are silent on creationism because they are able to clearly differentiate between the matters on which science speaks and those of public policy. All well and good so far, but Mester continues:
Our scientific energy is misdirected if we fight harmless beliefs in angels or intelligent design. There are antiscientific illusions with far more serious repercussions for society. Among these are the continuing belief in ballistic missile defense; or an irrational fear of terrorism when alcohol, automobiles, or suicide pose much greater risks. On these fronts, you will find practicing scientists engaged.
Ben, was there supposed to be more to that quote? It appears to trail off mid-sentence.
Posted by: Alan Allport at February 9, 2006 06:31 AMMissed the period. Thanks, Alan.
Posted by: Ben Brumfield at February 9, 2006 06:35 AMSee also Eugene Volokh on this sort of thing.
Posted by: Ben Brumfield at February 9, 2006 08:33 AM