Should Scientists/Engineers be our leaders?

[Thundercrack85]

I've already explained why this is faulty reasoning in another thread. It amounts to baseless supposition.

Did I explain why were wrong then, and why you are wrong now?

Ah well, it doesn't really matter in the context of this thread.

 

[moviedoors]

Convergent evolution, perhaps. The idea is that the humanoid form is the best (or at least most commonly evolved) form of organism capable of space travel.

We eat, drink, and breath out of the same hole. Yep, that's evolutionary perfection.

 

[Optimus_Prime_]

We eat, drink, and breath out of the same hole. Yep, that's evolutionary perfection.

It makes sense given environmental conditions. Evolution can only modify existing structures.

 

[Optimus_Prime_]

I've already explained why this is faulty reasoning in another thread. It amounts to baseless supposition.

It most certainly does not if you understand Evolution and Genetics.

The square cube law as it applies to biology also favors only certain forms at certain sizes.

Our hands, as much as our brains, is responsible for our intelligence. Our brain is only a short cry from Chimps but we have much better dexterity. So regardless of the digit number; hands and limbs would have to exist.

About the only thing that "discredits" it is the notion of other types of intelligence, like Hive mind. In order to be intelligent "like us" they'd have to be "like us". Your intelligence is a full body effort. There is no such thing as mind body duality. It's all interconnected and you'd really have to believe A) DNA like substance would have to be the basis B) they'd likely be carbon base and C) an atmosphere and no major bombardment. Therefore you'd have similar conditions which would invariably yield similar results.

 

[moviedoors]

It makes sense given environmental conditions. Evolution can only modify existing structures.

Sure, it works, but it's not the most ideal form. I'm just highlighting why we're not a perfect specimen and I think it's folly to think advanced alien civilizations must be like us. There are so many conditions out there, so many paths, so many variables, that it strikes me as narrow minded to consider the hominid form the best one.

But this a topic for another thread.

 

[Optimus_Prime_]

Sure, it works, but it's not the most ideal form. I'm just highlighting why we're not a perfect specimen and I think it's folly to think advanced alien civilizations must be like us. There are so many conditions out there, so many paths, so many variables, that it strikes me as narrow minded to consider the hominid form the best one.

But this a topic for another thread.

Our environment is hardly "perfect" so therefore pointing out our imperfect hardly negates the observation that our form is ideal for it's environment.

 

[Doctor Evo]

It most certainly does not if you understand Evolution and Genetics.

*Raises hand*

PhD student in population genetics and evolutionary biology here.

The square cube law as it applies to biology also favors only certain forms at certain sizes.

Our hands, as much as our brains, is responsible for our intelligence. Our brain is only a short cry from Chimps but we have much better dexterity. So regardless of the digit number; hands and limbs would have to exist.

About the only thing that "discredits" it is the notion of other types of intelligence, like Hive mind. In order to be intelligent "like us" they'd have to be "like us". Your intelligence is a full body effort. There is no such thing as mind body duality. It's all interconnected and you'd really have to believe A) DNA like substance would have to be the basis B) they'd likely be carbon base and C) an atmosphere and no major bombardment. Therefore you'd have similar conditions which would invariably yield similar results.

Let's take this to the evolution thread in the Community Forum.

 

[Doctor Evo]

Did I explain why were wrong then, and why you are wrong now?

Ah well, it doesn't really matter in the context of this thread.

Actually, you didn't respond at all. The post is in the evolution thread in Community. Let's go there.

 

[Thundercrack85]

We eat, drink, and breath out of the same hole. Yep, that's evolutionary perfection.

I never said perfection (evolution doesn't go for perfection), but we are the first life form that evolved to be able to go into space. The dolphin's blow hole is great, but fins do not make for great manipulators.

 

[moviedoors]

Sorry, I'm siding with the evolutionary biologist on this one.

 

[Kelly]

Guys, there is a thread to discuss Evolution, that is not what this thread is about. Please get back on topic, or the thread will be closed and you can move your Evolution discussion to the correct thread.

 

[dnno1]

Jimmy Carter was a former engineer before he became president.

 

[Kelly]

Hmmmm....not a good proponent for engineers...lol

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

A leader should inspire.

Scientists should be used to figure out effective public policy behind the scenes though.

 

[Hawkingbird]

Some scientists have no leadership, political, economic ect skills. It would be foolish to put...let's say Dr.Evo as a leader

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

Engineers need not apply.

 

[Doctor Evo]

Some scientists have no leadership, political, economic ect skills. It would be foolish to put...let's say Dr.Evo as a leader

That depends on what I'm leading. If we're talking about something like a Science Committee, I'd be a step up from what we already have.

 

[Hawkingbird]

Given you're still a student I wouldn't put you there just yet!
Of course you're going to have a scientist as a leader on a committee of scientists. It would be ridiculous, however, to have them as a President/Prime Minister.

 

[Doctor Evo]

Given you're still a student I wouldn't put you there just yet!

I actually contend that I'd be a step up from what we have on the House Science Committee even right now, as a student.

Of course you're going to have a scientist as a leader on a committee of scientists.

Then you'd be very, very surprised with what we have right now in the HSC.

It would be ridiculous, however, to have them as a President/Prime Minister.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson for President!

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

Hmmmm....not a good proponent for engineers...lol

lol

 

[Hawkingbird]

My knowledge on science and its individuals is limited. I'm assuming the scientists consult the leaders in the HSC? Well, I see the sense in this. Scientists may not be able to see beyond the "science" side of the issues. However, I also see the obvious fault in this. It is a committee of scientists who have vast knowledge on matters, therefore they should be the ones who make the ultimate decision.

 

[Doctor Evo]

It is a committee of scientists who have vast knowledge on matters, therefore they should be the ones who make the ultimate decision.

No, it isn't, lol. You don't have to be a scientist to be on the HSC.

 

[Hawkingbird]

You took that out of context? I said that was an argument for putting more scientists as leadersm

 

[Doctor Evo]

You took that out of context? I said that was an argument for putting more scientists as leadersm

I took it as you wrote it.

It is a committee of scientists who have vast knowledge on matters, therefore they should be the ones who make the ultimate decision.

What is the "it" you referenced?

 

[Hawkingbird]

The HCS you're referring to.