Lecture Notes: Understanding Science and Ignorance

Ancient Proverb and Science

• Proverb: Difficult to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there’s no cat.
• Describes science as explored through trial and error.
• Contrasts common perception of science as a methodical process.

Perception of Science

• Scientific Method: Often seen as a systematic way to extract facts.
• Reality: Science involves exploration and discussion of unknowns.

Personal Experience: Teaching vs. Research

• Research in Neuroscience: Exciting, involving exploration of the brain and olfaction.
• Teaching: Courses heavy with facts, less exhilarating.

Teaching Experience

• Course: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience.
• Textbook: "Principles of Neural Science" (1414 pages, 7.5 pounds).
• Misconception: Students may think science is about collecting facts.

Real Science Conversations

• Scientists often discuss what they don’t know.
• Marie Curie: Focus on what remains to be done.

Ignorance in Science

• Ignorance is not stupidity but a gap in knowledge.
• James Clerk Maxwell: Ignorance precedes scientific advances.

Accumulation of Knowledge

• Scientific literature grows rapidly.
• Controlled neglect: Ignoring overwhelming facts in favor of critical unknowns.

Misleading Models of Science

• Puzzle Model: Assumes a guaranteed solution. Not applicable.
• Onion Model: Layers removed to find truth. Not applicable.
• Iceberg Model: Facts are just the tip. Not applicable.
• Magic Well/Ripples on a Pond: As knowledge expands, so does ignorance.

Importance of Questions

• Science is about asking questions, not just knowing facts.
• Example: Neuroscience question on brain functions like walking and visual systems.
• Olfactory example: Differentiating molecules like heptyl and hexyl acetate.

Education and Ignorance

• Trend in Education: From curiosity in early grades to disinterest by 12th grade.
• Bulimic Method: Memorization and regurgitation without depth.
• Evaluation vs. Weeding: Testing should promote exploration, not exclusion.

Changing Education

• Focus on teaching what is unknown.
• Shift from memorizing facts to formulating questions.

Conclusion

• Yeats Quote: Education should light fires, not fill buckets.
• Call to action: Inspire curiosity and exploration.