The podcast highlights the importance of teaching oneself to look at evidence objectively and remove personal prejudice in order to engage with science.
The podcast emphasizes the insufficient funding allocated to scientific research despite its significant contributions to the economy and civilization as a whole.
Deep dives
The Importance of Science Education and Engaging with Evidence
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the value of science education and the need to engage with evidence. They emphasize the importance of teaching oneself to look at evidence objectively and remove personal prejudice. The hosts highlight the irrational tendencies of people to cling to their own opinions and dislike being told their opinions do not count in certain topics. They also touch on the challenge of educating people to respect the scientific method and understand that it provides the best view based on current evidence. Overall, the episode underscores the value of science in shaping our civilization.
Low Funding for Scientific Research and the Quest for Impact
Another key focus of the podcast episode is the insufficient funding allocated to scientific research. They mention that spending on scientific research is relatively low compared to its significant contributions to the economy and civilization as a whole. They highlight examples such as the Apollo program and the World Wide Web, which generated substantial economic and societal benefits. The hosts discuss the current proposal to base funding decisions on the impact of research. They delve into the challenges of defining and measuring impact and the potential downsides of prioritizing immediate commercial applications over blue-sky research.
The Comedic Take on Science and Society's Relationship with Experts
The episode also explores the intersection of science and comedy. The hosts discuss how comedians often draw on scientific ideas in their routines and how comedy and science both involve comparing things and finding connections. They reflect on the challenge of tackling complex scientific topics in stand-up comedy and the perception that scientists are often seen as smug or dismissed by society. The hosts delve into society's attitude towards experts and the difficulties of persuading people to respect the scientific method and acknowledge the expertise of scientists. They emphasize the importance of promoting quality science and evidence-based decision-making.
Former cosmologist Dara O'Briain and Dr Alice Roberts join physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince for a witty, irreverant and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. They'll be asking why so many comedians seem to start life as scientists, and begin their quest to put science at the heart of popular culture.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
