Robert P. Crease reflects on his 25 years as a 'science critic,' starting with his 2000 article on the importance of criticism in science.
Over the years, Crease has covered various topics inspired by politics, books, and scientific discoveries, improvising as he goes along.
He views science as workshops where researchers study specialized topics, emphasizing the interaction between workshops and the outside world.
As a science critic, Crease explains the significance of activities inside and outside workshops and their relevance to both physicists and non-physicists.
He discusses the importance of understanding competition, trust, humor, and philosophical interpretations in the realm of quantum mechanics.
While critics are often viewed negatively, Crease clarifies that criticism is essential for evaluating performance and maintaining honesty.
Criticism becomes necessary when scientists alienate non-scientists with elitist views or dismiss the value of philosophy, as highlighted by examples involving Steven Pinker and Steven Weinberg.
Crease aims to spark curiosity about the roles of philosophers, historians, and sociologists in science and the importance of understanding the broader context in scientific endeavors.
He emphasizes the need for scientists to engage with humanities scholars to avoid losing touch with the world around them.
Overall, Crease's work as a science critic has been focused on promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the interdisciplinary aspects of scientific endeavor.