Dr Karl Kruszelnicki |
Dr Karl, as he is popularly known, was giving a talk on all things science. David Mann, a mathematician and computer science expert, wrote a letter to me to explain what happened next:
"What a coincidence" I thought, because not only am I a huge fan of Dr Karl, but I also happened to have a copy of one of his many books with me! Not just any book you understand, but the one that contains a chapter on Sutton's famous debunking of the Popeye myth!After an hour or so of being dazzled by Dr Karl's journey through the amazing world of science, I had a quick chat with him, and I mentioned you and he replied "Mike Sutton? Mike Sutton! I know that name!" At which point I produced the book, and luckily he had a pen to sign it with."
Many Great Scientists have Presented their work at the Royal Institution |
The "Popeye Myth" is classed as a supermyth - because it is a myth, created in good faith, about another myth.
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki 2015, personal note to Dr Mike Sutton |
Of course, Dr Karl is right "Science is a way to not get fooled." But where supermyths are concerned it was bad science, and lack of adherence to scientific rational skepticism, that led to their creation and deep entrenchment by scientists. However, it was strict adherence to scientific principles - particularly three favourites of mine: "Nullius in Verba", "Sutton's Law" and "Follow the Data", which enabled me to debunk those myths, You can see several examples of known supermyths on my website Supermyths.com .
The spinach supermyth is interesting, ironic and amusingly educational, but I believe the most important and the most serous Supermyth so far discovered is the Patrick Matthew Supermyth.
The spinach supermyth is interesting, ironic and amusingly educational, but I believe the most important and the most serous Supermyth so far discovered is the Patrick Matthew Supermyth.
Mike SuttonAttribution
Page Signed for Mike Sutton: with message "Science is a way to not get fooled",
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