Spaghettification and the problem of scientific jargon
Can’t use jargon, because people don’t understand it. It sounds like advertising mumbo-jumbo, so they don’t trust you. But if you explain the jargon, it sounds like you’re trying to con them.
Short version: damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Short, short version: we’re effed.
I think it means we have to attack the problem from another direction — raise the level of scientific literacy. (Or if you’re James T Kirk, rig the system)
In pure mathematics the situation is similar, if not worse. It can be impossible to talk to other mathematicians at times, let alone the general public.
However, we do have some duty to inform the public as best we can about modern sciences; from the applications of graphene too the latest ideas on black holes.
Maybe in schools a bit more about the role of science in society would be good. A little about the philosophy and benefits of fundamental research could go a long way.
Then scientists themselves must do more for their public image. Unfortunately, the news tends to focus on negatives and very controversial issues. This could be stem cells, GM and “climategate”, but we need to hear more about the positive benefits of science.
Mobile phones, computers, microwave ovens, TVs. CD’s…. all devices that are fundamentally quantum mechanical. The GPS works because we have an understanding of general relativity. This list goes on.
By Google count, English contains more than a million words. Basic fluency in a language is at least 5000 words. One perceives a gap reinforced by diversity education.
How much about a car should a driver know? Lots, or barely enough. “Lots” works better – certainly for the driver, starting at purchase. Social activism demands that objective competence is discriminatory. The universe agrees, and prosecutes the ignorant and the stupid with a vengeance.
I think in most cases it’s easy to describe concepts in simpler terms than one would used to talk to their colleagues.
I’ve had conversations where it seems someone made excessive use of jargon order to make themselves and their work sound more impressive. I certainly think scientists can do a better job of recognizing that it’s more important to be understood than to impress.