Brian Cox and Jim Al-Khalili about science communication (incl. video)

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness and impact of science communication, particularly through popular media such as documentaries and books. Participants explore the roles of Brian Cox and Jim Al-Khalili in this context, including their approaches to engaging the public with scientific concepts and the criticisms associated with such popularizations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses strong support for Brian Cox's approach to science communication, highlighting his relevance even after a decade.
  • Another participant criticizes Cox for a specific instance in a documentary where he demonstrated a basic scientific fact, suggesting it was unnecessary.
  • A different viewpoint appreciates the commitment shown by Cox in engaging with the audience, indicating that such efforts are essential for effective communication.
  • Concerns are raised about the allocation of public funds for BBC programming, reflecting dissatisfaction with how science communication is financed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit mixed feelings about Brian Cox's methods; while some appreciate his efforts, others criticize specific instances of his communication style. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of his approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific examples from Cox's documentaries, indicating a reliance on personal experiences and subjective interpretations of science communication effectiveness.

DennisN
Gold Member
Messages
2,174
Reaction score
9,934
I just saw a great discussion with Brian Cox and Jim Al-Khalili, which covered a number of topics including science communication and the role and importance of popularizations, e.g. documentaries, books etc, including criticisms and praise of such. They also touch a number of other topics, including pseudoscience of which some types can be considered harmless and some harmful.

I highly recommend this discussion :smile:. (though it's 10 years old it's still relevant in my opinion)
I was also surprised once again how much I agree with Cox on so many topics.

Jim meets: Professor Brian Cox | University of Surrey
Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor of Physics and Public Engagement in Science at the University of Surrey hosts an audience with Professor Brian Cox - live at University of Surrey, Guildford
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I gave up completely on Cox when, in one of his BBC documentaries, he flew to the Bahamas to go scuba diving to explain that water was ##H_2O##.
 
  • Love
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970
PeroK said:
I gave up completely on Cox when, in one of his BBC documentaries, he flew to the Bahamas to go scuba diving to explain that water was ##H_2O##.
That's exactly the sort of commitment we need! Can't wait for his black hole documentary.
 
  • Haha
  • Love
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970, DennisN and S.G. Janssens
atyy said:
That's exactly the sort of commitment we need! Can't wait for his black hole documentary.
It's how my BBC license fee is spent that annoys me!
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: atyy and S.G. Janssens

Similar threads

  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K