PC Pals Forum

General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: Clive on December 01, 2010, 17:47

Title: Ten questions science must answer
Post by: Clive on December 01, 2010, 17:47

For 350 years, the Royal Society has called on the world's biggest brains to unravel the mysteries of science. Its president, Martin Rees, considers today's big issues, while leading thinkers describe the puzzles they would love to see solved.

LINK (http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/nov/30/10-big-questions-science-must-answer)

Title: Re: Ten questions science must answer
Post by: GillE on December 01, 2010, 18:18

What about the eleventh question, which is:

"Why are there only ten questions?"

;D

I'm also inclined to ask why the Royal Society is interested in the thoughts of Lionel Shriver, Andrew Motion Tracy Chevalier and Joan Bakewell and what are their scientific qualifications to be consulted on the matter.  The Royal Society is treating the hoi polloi with contempt yet again!

Title: Re: Ten questions science must answer
Post by: Clive on December 01, 2010, 22:57

Quote from: GillE on December 01, 2010, 18:18

"Why are there only ten questions?"

They only have ten fingers. 

 ;D

Title: Re: Ten questions science must answer
Post by: Rik on December 02, 2010, 11:41

 :laugh:

Title: Re: Ten questions science must answer
Post by: sam on December 02, 2010, 14:37

the list is simply laughable... WTF does Joan Bakewell know about cosmology.

Much more worthwhile lists:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Prize_Problems

and

http://www.nytimes.com/library/national/science/081500sci-physics-questions.html

Title: Re: Ten questions science must answer
Post by: Rik on December 02, 2010, 15:59

Quote from: sam on December 02, 2010, 14:37

WTF does Joan Bakewell know about cosmology.

Ah, but she is the thinking man's crumpet, Sam.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thinking_man%27s_crumpet

Title: Re: Ten questions science must answer
Post by: Clive on December 02, 2010, 16:28

 ;D  Yes, strange what lights our fire isn't it?  That second list is top drawer Sam.  Trouble is I'm not sure if I will understand the answers anyway!   ;D

Title: Re: Ten questions science must answer
Post by: sam on December 03, 2010, 00:44

not sure I would either!

As for Thinking Man's crumpet... in her youth... I'm not convinced. Though I'd go for the Gillian Anderson suggestion on that page.

Title: Re: Ten questions science must answer
Post by: Rik on December 03, 2010, 00:51

 :laugh: