Visionary scientist Freeman Dyson has written an interesting article for Edge, titled “Heretical Thoughts About Science and Society“. The 83-year-old scientist, perhaps best known in futurist circles for his idea of Dyson spheres, argues generally for the need for dissenting voices in science, and in more detail on the topic of climate change:
The prevailing dogmas may be right, but they still need to be challenged. I am proud to be a heretic. The world always needs heretics to challenge the prevailing orthodoxies. Since I am heretic, I am accustomed to being in the minority. If I could persuade everyone to agree with me, I would not be a heretic.
As Dyson mentions, he is indeed a heretic – he has previously argued for the likelihood of paranormal phenomena, to the chagrin of media skeptic Michael Shermer. And I’d agree with him that voices like his are a necessity. For those who find the article interesting, note that there is also >a response from science media ‘giant’ Alun Anderson (Nature, Science and New Scientist) newly posted on the Edge website.
