|
Comments from the Editor
This is the second of our proposed semi-annual all-web issues (October, April) in contrast to our semi-annual paper and electronic issues (January and July). Unfortunately, the first of our web issues gained far fewer "hits" than was the usual circulation of our past paper issues. Hopefully this drop represents a "learning curve" and we will soon again have the large readership presumably represented by our past regular circulation.
One way to boost readership is to earn it by raising and dealing seriously and interestingly with issues of concern to the membership of the Forum on Physics and Society , as well as - hopefully - to the rest of the physicist population and society in general. The themes of this issue, science Vs pseudo-science and the prospects of nuclear power, are two such recurrent controversial concerns. Holton, Duncan, and Puechl discuss what science, and education for it, should be. Various aspects of the "practical" use of nuclear energy are considered by Cohen, Sailor, Wolfe, Rosa, Bodansky, and Ahlquist. We hope to continue the exploration of all aspects of these controversies in the next few issues.
Also in this issue is another fiction contribution , this time by one of my undergraduate non-science students, since - on the whole - previous correspondents have reacted favorably to the occasional inclusion of such physics-related stories.
As usual, we welcome comments, criticisms, and suggestions - for publication in this journal or otherwise. Let us hear from you!
|
