Jan 25 2010
Stupid Headlines Department: The Intelligence of Tumors
Okay, maybe I was in a bit of an irritated mood when I read the following headline. An earlier event must have put a thorn in the paw of my intellect and then wherever I stepped I experienced unpleasantness.
Scientists Show How Brain Tumors Outsmart Drugs
I didn’t know tumors had brains. How else could they outsmart drugs?
Am I being too literal? I certainly don’t shy away from using metaphoric language myself. See this very post for examples. (Can headlines be stupid? Can you really get a thorn in your intellect?)
I think what is at issue is the propensity for some science writers to personify (make willful agents of) elements of nature and thus make them more appealing to human social instincts. While in many cases this can be a harmless practice, my concern is that by catering to these instincts we contribute to a misunderstanding of the universe.
So how is my use of metaphorical language different, if it is? First, degree of separation. I am not introducing supposedly hard science to the world, via a news release. My blog posts are further downstream — to once again resort to metaphoric language. And when writing about the actual science, as opposed to my analysis of it, I try to shy away from potentially misleading use of metaphor.
No, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to hit the road.
Damn, it’s just so easy to resort to figures of speech.
