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[Alan Shore]

I don't like this idea of science being something one 'does'.

[Strong Bad]

I don't like this idea of science being something one 'does'.

Hoi polloi doesn't want to hear: I'm a synthetic materials chemist studying the effects of a nano-constrained environment on the crystallisation of refractory metal oxides. What laymen WANT to hear is something they can understand: I'm doing science. A broad, multidisciplinary answer to a relatively simple question.

[Bose]

Would not the verb "to advance" be more appropriate? "I am, through my endeavours, advancing science." Perhaps it was the doing of a noun that offended him.

[Strong Bad]

Perhaps it was the doing of a noun that offended him.

If doing nouns offends him then he must live a very boring life.

Would not the verb "to advance" be more appropriate? "I am, through my endeavours, advancing science."

Because there are any number of times when what you're doing is advancing science so much as it is doing things scientifically.

[Bose]

Ah but you swerve into the world of adverbs. You do clever things concerning science in a manner most scientifical. Hurry up Harry and resorve the algument.

[Strong Bad]

Ah but you swerve into the world of adverbs. You do clever things concerning science in a manner most scientifical.

Obviously science isn't a verb (yet) but for the sake of the faceless masses we simplify things.

[Alan Shore]

Originally Posted by Strong Bad

If doing nouns offends him then he must live a very boring life.

Doing your mum, on the other hand, very fulfilling.


I guess I basically have a problem with the way society treats knowledge and understanding. As though it's something to be done, or to be exercised, or to be possessed. "Avril is a scientist" conveys a very open, limitless view of what science is and what it is Avril does. "Avril is doing science" conveys -- to me, at least -- a very closed notion. There is a Book of Science. Avril has read it and is now following the instructions therein. Just doesn't ring at all true. Most unsatisfying.

[Afflicted]

I want to stroke your hair an' feed you grapes.

[Strong Bad]

I want to stroke your hair an' feed you grapes.

You're not quite Afrohally's preferred type of feminine company but I suppose if he's desperate enough, you'll do..

"Avril is doing science" conveys -- to me, at least -- a very closed notion. There is a Book of Science. Avril has read it and is now following the instructions therein. Just doesn't ring at all true. Most unsatisfying.

True, but I think people find some comfort in the notion that the ability of science and scientists in general is finite. After all, most people are slightly disturbed by the notion that there are these nondescript people walking around the place who could turn the stuff you use to clean your kitchen into something catastrophic on mere whim. Unless, of course, you're one of those orange power hippies. Stupid hippies.

[teen]

I'm a synthetic materials chemist studying the effects of a nano-constrained environment on the crystallisation of refractory metal oxides.

I miss the days when you were my Grocer.