Dangerous Ideas

Hot on the heels of Chanukkah, where we once again wrestle with the difference between the worldview of Israel (writ-large) and the worldview of Greece, here's a whole holy host of dangerous ideas.

Top scientists where asked -

WHAT IS YOUR DANGEROUS IDEA?

The history of science is replete with discoveries that were considered socially, morally, or emotionally dangerous in their time; the Copernican and Darwinian revolutions are the most obvious. What is your dangerous idea? An idea you think about (not necessarily one you originated) that is dangerous not because it is assumed to be false, but because it might be true?


117 responded with essays. From what I've seen, they are sometimes scary, often challenging, always interesting.


For those with time on their hands, 2005's question may also be intriguing.

"WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS TRUE EVEN THOUGH YOU CANNOT PROVE IT?"

Great minds can sometimes guess the truth before they have either the evidence or arguments for it (Diderot called it having the "esprit de divination"). What do you believe is true even though you cannot prove it?


Enjoy!