Breaking the bubble thinking.
"Why would you be interested in a neuroscientist's perspective?" Because it's interesting.
Sometimes, it really does come down to an exchange as blunt and honest as that in order to crack the rigidity of a mindset which sees no value or benefit in venturing outside the immediate confines of a specific discipline. I used to find it appalling; then - after continued exposure to it in a number of environments - a little sad. Today? Well... Melancholic pessimism is definitely on hold, for at least a few days.
The war isn't won, and the battle is far from over, but there is hope. Beyond the geographical and interdisciplinary scope of my own endeavours this week, I note that even FSP is dipping her toes in unfamiliar academic waters:
http://science-professor.blogspot.com/2010/04/one-way-traffic.html
It's just a shame that, in her case, it's a by-product of a single committee membership, rather than an innate desire to expand her horizons, and milk that opportunity for some collective mutual good.
Sometimes, it really does come down to an exchange as blunt and honest as that in order to crack the rigidity of a mindset which sees no value or benefit in venturing outside the immediate confines of a specific discipline. I used to find it appalling; then - after continued exposure to it in a number of environments - a little sad. Today? Well... Melancholic pessimism is definitely on hold, for at least a few days.
The war isn't won, and the battle is far from over, but there is hope. Beyond the geographical and interdisciplinary scope of my own endeavours this week, I note that even FSP is dipping her toes in unfamiliar academic waters:
http://science-professor.blogspot.com/2010/04/one-way-traffic.html
It's just a shame that, in her case, it's a by-product of a single committee membership, rather than an innate desire to expand her horizons, and milk that opportunity for some collective mutual good.