Question

Should scientists in different fields be communicating complex concepts to people with little background?

Answer 1

To simplify without being misleading about these concepts is a tough task. Since, it is difficult for non experts to identify pseudoscience.

Answer 2

would you have surgery done on you just because you doctor said do it and nothing else?
I wouldn't... I would expect the doctor to explain it in as simple terms as possible, then I would speak to several other doctors and then take a decision.

Answer 3

what I'm saying is, if somebody's scientific work is going to have an impact on society as a collective, then its the scientist's duty, not a favor, to break it down and explain it to a wide audience.

Answer 4

When attempting to explain complicated topics that we don't fully get like QM, try to oversimplify the concepts behind those topic they in turn become inaccurate.

Answer 5

Very difficult to explain complex concepts to people with little education. But, it can be done.
Read Stephen Hawkings books

Answer 6

I don't say its easy, I'm just saying its a necessity. I'm no medical expert, but their work will impact my life... So obviously, i feel i should be included in their decision making. In a fair society, everybody has a say.

Answer 7

I've heard this topic come up many times before but here are some of my thoughts about it.

Should an expert expect a lay person to understand the nuances of a subject? no of course not. But should they be able to explain the purpose, scope, and implications of their research? yes. I also wouldn't underestimate the power of explaining things simply. In my opinion, that's a sign of true intelligence and mastery. Opinion here but I think that's what's missing from teaching.

The problem like you said is to ensure that you haven't oversimplified too much, and that's why to me it's a real skill that is difficult to master.

But to give a person a general understanding of what you're doing, why you're doing it, and why it's significant is just as important as the research itself and that's a skill too many people don't look at enough. Think about it, what if you were doing research and needed to get funding for it? of course you would do the above things, explain in-depth complex topics but at the end of the day, the reasons behind why you're doing it must be clear.

Needless to say, just my opinion but, I'm not an expert on everything and we all need to have a bit of humility. You never know, explaining one's discipline in a straightforward way that does not dilute the subject matter at the same time may someone interested in that discipline and who knows after that ?

Answer 8

You should read some of michio kaku's books good stuff.

Answer 9

A good quote comes to mind...

If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough - Albert Einstein

Answer 10

:)

Answer 11

"physics of the impossible" I remembered it :) great read