Yes, John, it is easy to get off-topic with this. Your comment "Indeed, in my opinion these are issues that impinge directly on the teaching of physics" is my concern. The issue is the best way to discuss these sorts of media representations of physics in a classroom setting- being sure to get the history as correct as one can manage. Not easy!
Our students are faced with such a wide variety physics images, such as the new Cosmos with Tyson, to the Big Bang Theory comedy (which I personally detest), to the Einstein link I shared...students share these things with me and ask for a response. I do my best.
Thanks for sharing folks!
david
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From: John Mallinckrodt <ajm@csupomona.edu>
To: "Phys-L@Phys-L.org" <Phys-L@Phys-L.org>
Subject: Re: [Phys-L] einstein anecdote
Message-ID: <902197EE-F23F-4754-8BC0-9CD3ECA69ECA@csupomona.edu>
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So once again we are "off topic." Personally, I don't mind at all. Indeed, in my opinion these are issues that impinge directly on the teaching of physics. But I also know from experience that were I to respond to some of the assertions here whose implications I take significant issue with, I would be accused of getting into territory that has no place on this list.