Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Scientific Progress and Political Feedback Loops (with Michael Nielsen)
Nov 24, 2020
Michael Nielsen, a pioneer in quantum computing and advocate for open science, dives into the challenges of measuring scientific progress. He questions whether this progress is genuinely slowing down and discusses innovative funding strategies for researchers. The conversation navigates the rise of para-academia, highlighting its flexibility and potential for groundbreaking ideas. Nielsen also explores political feedback loops, emphasizing the influence of media on public opinion amid polarization. This enlightening discussion unravels the intricacies of modern science and societal dynamics.
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Diminishing Returns in Science
- Scientific progress may be slowing down, as evidenced by Nobel Prize quality in physics.
- Despite increased resources, the perceived importance of discoveries hasn't increased proportionally.
New Fields from Old
- The low-hanging fruit model doesn't fully explain scientific progress, as new fields often emerge from older ones.
- Mathematical logic leading to the invention of computing exemplifies this.
Stagnant University Rankings
- Research university rankings have remained stagnant, unlike the dynamic corporate world.
- This suggests a lack of responsiveness to innovative ideas within academic institutions.