A Poll Too Far
OK, just yesterday I wrote about the mob mentality and how technology is just technology–it’s how we use it that matters. Then today I find This article on MSNBC.com about changing the definition of a planet. The article itself is interesting, though hardly earthshattering (planetshattering?). But right next to the headline we have a live vote.
What do you think? Yep! What do the masses, lacking any basis for making a judgment, think?
I’m not going to start decrying the technology involved, but sensible journalists ought to start thinking about the value of polls such as this. It’s clearly a marketing idea to make people feel like their participants, but it generates no real information, and it makes people think their opinions on subjects about which they are uninformed, are more important than they really are. Actions such as this do have consequences, and responsible journalists ought to make that clear.
Let the astronomers decide how many planets there are and what will be a workable definition. They will in any case, and the rest of us shouldn’t have a vote–including me.
You mentioned that we should “…Let the astronomers decide how many planets there are and what will be a workable definition.”
If people are to surrender their opinion about things such as this (namely, to the experts) should they, in your opinion, do this as well for Christian studies? The scholars are the final word on God?
I’m not “bashing” your opinion. Just wanted to see how thoroughly you hold to letting the experts decide matters.
Cheers,
M.
Not very thorough at all. I think a poll about the definition of a scientific term is meaningless because people don’t have the knowledge to provide the definition. If, on the other hand, the question is whether we should send a mission to explore a particular planet, however defined, then it is a matter of priority in spending money, and I’m much more interested in poll results. Of course, I would suggest a scientific poll, and I would also urge people to educate themselves to the maximum extent possible.
In terms of Christianity or any spiritual belief, I would draw the line somewhere between “how is the Greek word _____ to be defined” (for the experts) and “what kind of church service do I prefer?” (for everyone).
But compare my previous essay on non-expert comments. I don’t think there’s a hard and fast line. I think the definition of the word “planet” is pretty definitely not a matter for non-experts.
I heard an astronomer (on TV?) say that “planet” is not really a useful category for astronomers so they don’t really get too uptight about this issue. I have serious reservations about online polls, any polls for that matter. Numbers are misused all the time and can mean anything.
“If, on the other hand, the question is whether we should send a mission to explore a particular planet, however defined, then it is a matter of priority in spending money, and Im much more interested in poll results.”
I’m glad to see you qualify your statements! At first they felt pretty broad, but now I understand exactly where you are coming from.
If bashing is encouraged perhaps I’ll see what I can do in the future! ;D
It sure is causing a lot of controversy.