dEbate responses to:

editorial: An Algorithm for Discovery David Paydarfar and William J. Schwartz Science 2001; 292: 13 [Summary]

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Published dEbate responses:

Other Components of the Algorithm

V. D. Ramanathan   (9 April 2001)

On Reading

Timothy G. Buchman   (16 April 2001)

common sense

Omer Kucuk   (4 May 2001)

Other Components of the Algorithm 9 April 2001
V. D. Ramanathan, Medical Scientist Tuberculosis Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, India. Send dEbate response to journal: Re: Other Components of the Algorithm E-mail V. D. Ramanathan: vdrnathan@yahoo.com	Paydarfar and Schwartz have succinctly come out with these five cardinal principles to maximize the chances of discovery in science. One assumes that the basic ingredient of an almost insatiable curiosity for knowing more about the nature of the physical world is taken as an essential prerequisite by the authors. One wonders whether such a quality can be nurtured from scratch or at least be improved on once such a tendency is recognized. The principle of slowing down is very important. Perhaps we ought to cultivate a guide book approach rather than a cook book approach as advocated by Nick Herbert (in his book on "Reality of the Quantum World"). Too many projects are driven by "kit-oriented" or "common man -oriented" research. The principle of pursuing quality for its own sake has another component--the joy of doing science and devising aesthetically appealing experiments. It is well known that Paul Dirac firmly believed that if there is beauty in an equation, it is bound to be right!
On Reading 16 April 2001
Timothy G. Buchman, Surgeon Washington University School of Medicine Send dEbate response to journal: Re: On Reading E-mail Timothy G. Buchman: buchman@msnotes.wustl.edu	The authors suggest that one read, but not too much lest one get discouraged by claims of others. Certainly reading as a critical scientist requires both selectvity and skepticism. However there is a different kind of scientific reading that must be encouraged: reading outside one's own field. The understandable tendency to keep the mind uncluttered increasingly blinds professional scientists to reports from outside their particular field of study. The most successful scientists recall happening upon a paper, a lecture or a colleague by chance, a meeting that changes the course of their research. As Pasteur is oft quoted, "Chance favors the prepared mind." Gambling a little time by reading outside one's field can yield handsome rewards. It is a chance worth taking, frequently.
common sense 4 May 2001
Omer Kucuk, clinician researcher Wayne State University Send dEbate response to journal: Re: common sense E-mail Omer Kucuk: kucuko@karmanos.org	I agree with the authors. Perhaps the principles could be further reduced to: Use common sense and have fun.