Authority Quote by Serge Lang
“If Baltimore's view, that scientists who do not take the words of authorities are far removed from the ordinary behavior of scientists, prevails in the scientific community, then something fundamental, very serious, and very disturbing is happening to the scientific community.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture, 1990s, USA
The scientific community is drifting away from critical thinking, becoming overly deferential to authority, which threatens its integrity.
In simple terms: Scientists are ignoring criticism, harming science.
Encourage open critique.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research labs
- academic conferences
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster dissent in science?
- What incentives discourage questioning?
Change is slow and faces resistance.