Science Memes

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A place for majestic STEMLORD peacocking, as well as memes about the realities of working in a lab.

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Don't throw mud. Behave like an intellectual and remember the human.
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Infographics welcome, get schooled.

If you are here asking: "Is this a science meme?"

Probably, yes. We use the Dawkins definition of meme: a replicating idea, not just an image macro with a fact on it. A good post here doesn't need to teach you something. It needs to make you ask something: who, what, where, when, and especially why or how.

Science isn't a filing cabinet of facts, it's a conversation. For example, a photo of an eel or other localized wildlife counts because most people never see one, and wonder is the first step of inquiry. A car meme counts if it makes you curious about what's under the bonnet. If you want to talk about something you noticed in the world, chances are someone else wants to talk about it too.

We moderate for vibe, not category. Pruning is light, especially where a post creates interesting discussion. Experimenting is encouraged.

See the pinned paper on Shitposting as Public Pedagogy if you want the academic case for why this works.

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Big Science (mander.xyz)

submitted 2 years ago by fossilesque@mander.xyz to c/science_memes@mander.xyz

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[–] dream_weasel@sh.itjust.works 11 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

The "you" here is misleading. Consider any scientific field, then now consider all the people you know. How many people do you know, if any, who can propose a theory that is equally valid compared to scientific consensus on some topic in that field? It's unlikely most people are friends with Aristotle or the like or are themselves in that boat.

Is it theoretically possible? Sure. Is it more likely that you or I or the stranger who fills this theoretical situation is actually an over confident moron? Overwhelmingly yes lol.

[–] wewbull@feddit.uk -1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

This thinking just leads to science being turned into a religion. Knowledge being passed down from blessed people who perform obscure practises, and the masses being expected to accept it without question. Science should be open and understood by all. Then it has the weight it deserves and then you can have proper public discourse about issues.

[–] dream_weasel@sh.itjust.works 6 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

In no way does this make science religion. What it means is all opinions aren't created equal and if you want to have a valid opinion you have to do work. If you dont want to do work that's fine, but 998 times out of 1000 your "contribution" is you looking like a dipshit.

If you want to learn it learn it. If you want to participate, learn it. Science isn't just discussion between friends.

Edit: To be exceptionally clear, scientific discussion is NOT open to everyone all the time, and you have no inherent right to participate without preparation and investment.