This nervous approach has been justified after a scientific journal ("What's on TV") published an article detailing a new project. It said:
The 6 Billion Dollar Experiment: one-off documentary looking at a hugely expensive experiment involving a large Hadron Collider - essentially an attempt to recreate the Big Bang.
OK. Now, I already have troubles with this philosophically and financially, but the real problem comes in the next sentence:
If it is successful, the LHC could provide the key to understanding the very essence of the universe, but the failure could lead to the creation of a black hole.
Doesn't anyone suspect there might be something wrong with one of these outcomes? Now, I am only an amateur but over the years I have accumulated understanding in several branches of science (mostly from watching Dr Who) and I know that the proper scientific term for this project is: totally, catastrophically, brainlessly, stupid.
What worries me nearly as much is why don’t other scientists see this? Why don’t they stop them? The only answer I can think of is that they know this experiment is a waste of time and won’t work, but is part of an ongoing competition between different universities to see who can get the biggest grant for the most stupid project.
But even so, what is wrong with the people who control the actual funds that supplied the six billion dollars? How did they arrive at the point of awarding the grant? What does it tell us about financiers?
“Let’s see…Hadron Collider…if successful may help us understand the beginning of the universe (practical applications: zero)….if unsuccessful may create black hole (practical applications: total destruction of planet earth, the solar system and everything else for 50 squllion miles)…hmmmm: great! I wonder if there’s a Happy Meal franchise in this?”
I despair.
No comments:
Post a Comment