NationStates Jolt Archive

This is a, y'know, draft. So post ideas, revisions etc. here.

Abstract: Large proportions of the public are in misconception about theories etc. This is not because they are stupid, etc., it is just because theories (usually on shaky evidence, for example, Global Warming, tribal peoples practicing cannibalism, etc.) have been presented as fact. This bill seeks to rectify this fact, so that expertise is not required to know truths (or what is supposed to be truth at present) about humanity's situation and the way the universe works.

Solution: Ads will be bought in all major newspapers, advertising a call-line, where, for free (or a small charge, at the discretion of the local government and phone system) callers can ask any number of questions about anything, and expect to recieve a reply within a week. This reply will include both sides of the evidence, so the public can produce its own, educated, decision. The ads will also tell of a website where common misconceptions can be rectified.

I don't really think the NSUN needs to set up Snopes.

This is a, y'know, draft. So post ideas, revisions etc. here.

Abstract: Large proportions of the public are in misconception about theories etc. This is not because they are stupid, etc., it is just because theories (usually on shaky evidence, for example, Global Warming, tribal peoples practicing cannibalism, etc.) have been presented as fact. This bill seeks to rectify this fact, so that expertise is not required to know truths (or what is supposed to be truth at present) about humanity's situation and the way the universe works.

Solution: Ads will be bought in all major newspapers, advertising a call-line, where, for free (or a small charge, at the discretion of the local government and phone system) callers can ask any number of questions about anything, and expect to recieve a reply within a week. This reply will include both sides of the evidence, so the public can produce its own, educated, decision. The ads will also tell of a website where common misconceptions can be rectified.

The Republic of Diranadium considers that, howsoever laudable the objectives of this proposal might be, it is not an appropriate matter for a UN resolution. It is entirely a matter for individual governments, and not one which requires collective action of the sort proposed.

For its part the Republic of Diranadium will not be starting a scheme of this kind, for the following reasons

1. The proposal seems to demonstrate a significant degree of naivety. It assumes that all relevant arguments pertaining to every relevant issues can be expressed in such a manner as to contribute to understanding.

2. The proposal seems to presuppose some objective version of truth.

3. The proposal devalues "expertise" in and of itself.

4. The Republic of Diranadium will continue to pursue its policy of developing educational standards in the normal way. It considers that there is no substitute for this, and firmly holds the view that alternative mechanisms of the sort suggested in the proposal give the mistaken impression that there is an easy alternative to hard-work at school, university etc.

And for the countries who's time line is prior to the internet or phones? Besides every time we try to send someone out to the tribal peoples to tell them there is no cannibalism out there they keep getting eaten! It makes it kind of hard you know.

Interesting points, and thank you.

As for pre-internet, there's nothing we can do about that, just as we can't include illeterate, semi-evolved ape-men into the UN. (*winks nervously*)

As for a matter of individual governments, isn't the UN meant to take the decisions of local government on a global scale instead? Isn't that what the Bill of Humanities is all about?

And quite interestingly you say we devalue expertise. However, expertise is needed to answer these presumably complicated question.

On the subject of objective reality, I say that although the observer biases and changes the observed, that's not too much of a problem if we have an equal smattering of intelligent people who have been asked to remain as neutral as possible. Quanitification of measurements (for such matters as global warming) may also help.

Thank you
The semi-evolve-UN constitustuenery of Pangeadm