Your thoughts as a believer in the scientific method regarding plight of Bigfoot researcher?

Question

who is now in danger of losing his tenure because of his scientific investigations into something most other professors disbelieve and to which they object. What happened to the legendary principled open-mindedness of scientists and the scientific method?

See

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061104/ap_on_sc/professor_bigfoot_7

Roxanne - Thank you for a reasoned and reasonable answer. I have no objection to what you are saying.I think it makes sense. But then it just comes down to economics and maintaining prestige, doesn't it? So in a way those factors are still trumping the neutrality of the scientific method here.

LeAnne - No one has ever seen a tachyon either but physicists include its possible existence in their theories. What about the physicists who were "wasting their lives" searching for the elusive top quark that no one had ever seen....until someone found it. Finally, what about the fact that existence ot the gorilla was disbelieved by most people, learned and otherwise, for many years. So what gives you the right to tell anyone how not to waste their lives?

And cork, just so you shouldn't feel left out: Please stop shouting. I'm not deaf.

Answer 1

To me it is very sad that a supposed institute of learning would try to imply that it has learned everything already and that anyone who didn't subscribe to just how smart they were in their omniscience would be sent away and shunned. Dr. Meldrum is a very good scientists who has nothing to gain by going after Bigfoot research except that I think he believes it exists or at least the evidence is sufficient to warrant more research and he is absolutely correct in this regard. I have nothing but the greatest respect for a man who will put his reputation on the line to research something that he knows will result in a loss of credibility. He does it for the furtherance of science. For those who think they know Bigfoot doesn't exist, I have nothing but contempt for their lack of scientific reasoning and the utter arrogance of their position. What is really pathetic is that they really have no concept of how much they do not know.

Answer 2

As I understand it, its the job of tenured professors to research and publish to benefit the institution. The institution obviously doesn't think the Bigfoot research does anything to bolster its reputation and/or prefers to use its resources for other research. I suppose that the institution has a right to choose the kind of attention its tenured professors draw, as well as tend its reputation and mission. If Bigfoot research doesn't do that why should the professor be supported by the institution? I can't think of a reason.
I don't think its an assault on the Scientific Method; its about the the relevancy of the professor's research to the institution.

The Scientific Method is (basically):
1 State the problem
2 Make Observations
3 Form a Hypothesis
4 Do the Experiment
5 Draw a conclusion

The steps do not include: Find Funding.

The Scientific Method is alone, out there in the cold, doing it’s job – being objective. The Scientific Method is indifferent to its sponsors or its conclusions. That is why it is the Scientific Method.
You are confusing business with the Scientific Method. The Scientific Process is a process. Business’ deliver resources where there is profit to be had. The University has to be a successful business to survive.
We all realize there are many important discoveries to be had, but for lack of sponsorship. Life is a complicated blend of opportunities and limitations.

PS: I hope you voted.

Answer 3

I am a believer in the scientific method.....and I am also a believer in this guy's need for a real life.

The fact that the existence of a creature such as Bigfoot can't be easily disproved isn't enough of an incentive to waste ones life trying to prove he does exist.
Perhaps it is just a hobby for him, but I got the impression he was somewhat obsessed with the creature - or the publicity.
If I had his credentials, I think I could find a more relevant research project to work on.

Answer 4

SCIENTIFIC METHOD?
I THINK ITS MORE OF A JOKE.
NOT ONE TINY BIT OF EVIDENCE IN THOUSANDS OF YEARS??

I THINK THIS MYTH CAN BE LAID TO REST WORLDWIDE.

MAKES GOOD SPOOF READING BUT THATS ALL.