As I mentioned in my previous blog, the current scientific method requires rigorousness and precision. In order to achieve those objectives, scientific argument is essential. My observations tell me that scientific argument has been progressively displaced by diplomacy.
In our society many scientists do not like too much argument taking this more like a personal attack. Especially if a junior scientist argues with a senior one, many times he or she can be in trouble. The solution people take usually is to be diplomatic so to survive the race. This is very dangerous to science, and scientists who avoid argument should be penalized.
Adolfo Cotter, MD
Oct 07/2011
