ABSTRACT
Explanation. In Vignette 1.2, we commented on the growing gap between the rich and the poor in human society. Equally distressing is the growing communication gap between science and society. The way it is supposed to work is that scientists research problems and suggest solutions that hopefully enable the public and its representatives (legislators, etc.) to better deal with societal problems. As science has become more complex and more reductionist, that is, narrowly focused, communication between the scientist and the nonscientist decision-maker has not only become increasingly difficult but also more contentious. Which brings to my mind another vignette that goes something like this: Scientists admired but not trusted by society! (See Cartoon 7.1.)
