The unsavoury rise of ‘populist physics’: here’s how best to respond
Robert P Crease sees three ways to respond to attacks on physics The post The unsavoury rise of ‘populist physics’: here’s how best to respond appeared first on Physics World .
In a recent development, renowned physicist Dan Hooper, from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, has penned a book to counter the growing trend of "populist physics". Hooper describes this phenomenon as a "new narrative" about physics, where non-scientists make sensational claims about modern physics that have little basis in reality.
These critics, including podcasters, YouTubers, and even some with no scientific credentials, express anger towards the field of physics, accusing it of dishonesty and opportunism. Some of these critics, such as actor Terrance Howard and YouTuber Sabine Hossenfelder, have taken their criticisms to social media platforms, reaching large audiences with their misinformed viewpoints.
Hooper's book, The Attack of the Science Populists, aims to counter this growing criticism by emphasizing the integrity of the profession and explaining contemporary physics in a popular science format.
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