Re: Style

[forinas@indiana.edu (kyle forinash)]

I have been told by women friends that academia in general and physics in
particular is intinsically an inhospitable atmosphere for people who's
style of interaction is consensus building rather than confrontational.

I think there are a couple of points here:

1) This extends not only to this list but also to the classroom where (my
friend claims) some people would rather drop the class than be called on to
defend ideas using a confrontational style in public.

2) It is curious that in physics, research groups are often engaged in
consensus building processes but independent groups (and often independent
individuals) often compete very vociferously. Seems to me both styles
should be encouraged in the classroom as well.

3) We should all make an effort to remember that a person's style of
interaction (or other personal aspects) does not refect on the value of
their observations. (One of the amazing things to me about physics, still,
is the extent to which personallity does NOT count; but rather the quality
of the ideas does count. This isn't always true but seems to be more true
in physics than in many other areas.)

kyle

At 10:17 AM 9/12/97, Richard W. Tarara wrote:
> While a certain amount of sniping is inevitable on this kind of list, there
> exists a danger (I would say already a reality) that excessive sniping and
> especially ridicule will tend to drive away the "thinner-skinned" and "less
> knowledgeable" amongst us to the point that the list will become (as I
> think it has) a debating platform for a very few College/University types.
> I worry that many, especially many High School teachers, have been
> intimidated into silence.   My advice then, is to try to keep the personal
> criticism and derogatory remarks to a minimum.  ;-)
>
> Rick
>
> ----------
> > From: Leigh Palmer <palmer@sfu.ca>
> > To: phys-l@atlantis.cc.uwf.edu
> > Subject: Style
> > Date: Friday, September 12, 1997 9:45 AM
> >
> > Ludwik says:
> >
> > > In my opinion "public snipings" and "embarassing comments" are
> > > perfectly OK as long as we know that everybody is motivated by the
> > > concerns which unite us on this list. We learn from each other and
> > > this is the most important.
> >
> > Hear, hear! This is academic debate. Our style may not be correct
> > "netiquette", but many of us are utterly fed up with artificial
> > correctness. I'll join your party, Ludwik.
> >
> > Leigh

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