THE SCIENCE CRITIC

by Maurice Goldsmith ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 1986

A modest proposal, immodestly padded out, from veteran British science writer Goldsmith, who here lobbies for the establishment of ""the science critic,"" capable of monitoring scientific developments and communicating via the media their meanings and ramifications. Public awareness of scientific endeavors, Goldsmith argues, is crucial now that scientific breakthroughs such as atom-splitting and genetic manipulation threaten to transform, if not end, our world. But no proper mechanism yet exists for transmission of scientific knowledge to the public. Surveying the media's presentation of scientific news--mostly concentrating on English media, but including an unusual and valuable examination of science museums both Anglo and American--Goldsmith faults all with being either overly concerned about entertainment values or too confused about their educational role. Well and good; but from here on the book marbles its message with fat: first, a curious chapter about the symbiosis between science and science fiction; then a discussion of science and the third world that mixes a solid suggestion for utilizing native oral traditions with off-target advice about improving health conditions. Back to the matter at hand, Goldsmith in the final chapter makes his formal bid for a ""science critic,"" but then follows with two weighty appendixes, one listing associations and awards for science writers, the other a mini-anthology of science writing--a good portion penned by Goldsmith himself--exemplifying the sort of science criticism proposed here. Although Goldsmith's call for ""science critics"" is sound and worth exploring, hopefully if enacted it will produce material more economical and more often to the point than that displayed here.

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Routledge & Kegan Paul/Methuen

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION