There was a study I heard about in America that demonstrated that every child that developed a passion for astronomy early was twice as likely to do a degree in science than in arts. We need scientists!
Whilst I don't find his tv shows very engaging myself, I am a big fan of his work and how he reaches his audience. I recon I would have been glued to the TV if I was a kid, in much the same way as I was with Patrick Moore.
Having a science background I find him a little grating but a lot of people do not and he is capturing the next gen in a way that counts for them.
Good on you Brian, but don't expect me to watch your programs.
Greg.
His TV shows are watered down for the masses. And rightly so. You won't spark the people's interest if what you say goes over their heads.
It's a sign he truly knows his stuff if he can explain it simply.
He's interested in all facets of science, not just his own specialty.
Have you listened to the Infinite Monkey Cage podcasts? They are not only entertaining but very educational. The topics are more scientific trivia, but they do touch on deeper stuff.
He's just a genuinely nice fellow too. With brown eyes that can pierce you to the soul when he's talking to you.
Yes, he is popular and he gets to the audience.. especially among girls..
However, I fear that audience doesn't get him properly...
I tried for a moment to forget everything I know (or what I think I know) about science and then I tried to make sense out of all those pretty pictures offered in his programmes (and not only his, there are plenty of others trying to do the same thing) .. and I came to a conclusion that the picture of the world that could be build on that information is simplistic, somehow shaky and full of holes.. easily filled in by various kinds of crackpots and other "alternative" thinkers.
What I really wanted to point out with my post - it is not Brian Cox to blame.. it is the audience and their actual level of education and attitudes - He is only trying (and doing) his best, in a given circumstances..
And if he sparks an interest in science with the girls, that can only be a good thing. Right?
At the last talk I attended though, the men out numbered the women easily 10:1. Showing his work at CERN certainly outweighed his popularity as a TV host.
And if he sparks an interest in science with the girls, that can only be a good thing. Right?
At the last talk I attended though, the men out numbered the women easily 10:1. Showing his work at CERN certainly outweighed his popularity as a TV host.
Of course it is good.. I am not disputing this.
But, what about someone who is equally personally attractive, but who is advocating pseudo-science?
My problem with all today's presenters like him is that what they do does not develop critical thinking... Science is beautiful, but science is also hard work.
My problem with all today's presenters like him is that what they do does not develop critical thinking... Science is beautiful, but science is also hard work.
I agree but if the mission is to sell science then factors that lie on the periphery or have absolutely no relevance such as sex appeal unfortunately take on importance.
Here is a comparison to Ed Witten. Witten is the Einstein of the 21st century.
One particular physicist ( I can't remember his name) summarized him by stating while theoretical physicists are arrogant by nature, whenever Witten walks into a room full of physicists they feel stupid in the presence of his towering intellect.
I would much rather see Witten take on an ambassador role for science than Cox, but on the basis of this video, I think Witten would only end up strengthening the stereotype that science is only for nerds.
Would Jeanette and her female cohorts swarm around Witten.
I don't think think so.
Carl Sagan was denigrated by his scientific peers for appealing to the masses with his TV series called Cosmos.
Personally I think that Brian is doing a sterling job of popularising difficult concepts.
There will always be nit pickers that say something is too simplistic or far too esoteric.
I once saw a top guitarist hand his axe to a booing crowd. His simple question was 'show me how you can do better!' His name was Jimi!
Human nature never fails to show me what depths of mediocrity it can attain by criticising the real achievers.
It is just this level of achievement in many facets of science that gives Brian Cox a level of believability as a front person for any documentary.
If I was a cool as him in the sunnies I would be taking advantage of my super stardom level by asking for Lark tongues in Aspic with a side drink of Angels tears.
Would Jeanette and her female cohorts swarm around Witten.
I don't think think so.
Regards
Steven
You're addressing a woman who is a member of the Julius Sumner Miller fan club. LOLOL
Personality and brains trump looks just about every time.
You ask any woman on this forum what they think about Feynman and Einstein and they'll swoon.
Brian Cox is a good scientist. He puts up many of his own theories that may not suit a few people.
He is essentially a great presenter of science that is aimed more towards the reasonably intelligent who have not thought about the effects of science on their lives to encourage them to take an interest
There have been many great presenters of science on TV over the years and we should be thankful that they have been given exposure. I loved Prof Julius Sumner Miller. Why is it So!
You're addressing a woman who is a member of the Julius Sumner Miller fan club. LOLOL
Personality and brains trump looks just about every time.
You ask any woman on this forum what they think about Feynman and Einstein and they'll swoon.
Okay then............
I'll have to ask the question.
You're stranded on a desert island and given the choice of a companion.
Brian Cox or Ed Witten?
I guess the one with the bigger arms for the row boat. 
