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I have no problem with aboriginal knowledge being taught at a university, as long as it is taught as a part of a degree that is appropriate, such as an arts degree, but certainly not as a part of a science degree. If we incorporate aboriginal knowledge into a science degree then we must also incorporate the "medical" and "superstitious" beliefs of our European ancestors into university courses. (Note to self: European superstitious beliefs are taught at universities under the heading of "religion")
But science takes no prisoners. There is correct scientific methodology and there is incorrect methodology. There is the "currently accepted as correct" theory and there is the theory of the maverick "scientist" (who, on the very odd occasion turns out to be correct, but far more often is incorrect). There is current knowledge and then there is the re-appraisal that results in the "currently accepted theory" requiring an update.
The dumbing down of science in schools (does not appear to be happening at my children's school....because it is a private school??? Not sure) the lack of teaching critical appraisal at schools so as to allow people to assess information and make a fair judgement of its value, rather than take things at face value. For example, this homeopathic treatment will cure your cold. Well, no! NO homeopathic treatment is likely to have any effect other than to lighten your wallet and potentially cause further illness via avoidance of proper medical therapy. And yet people go for this rubbish in droves despite its complete and utter lack of scientific plausibility. Teach science and critical appraisal and perhaps we won't have an increase in whooping cough cases rising from 332 in Australia in 1991 to 38,584 in 2011, measles from 12 in 2007 to 193 in 2011. Why does this happen? Because of anti-vaccination web sites spreading mis-information , because people are just too slack, because so many people cannot sort the real information on the interwebs from the chaff.
Science education in Australia needs to get rid of the post-modern concept of science and go back to teaching science as I was taught and as my children are still taught but not as many Australian children are currently being taught.
Stuart
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