Science, like politics, is consumed by egos (Letters, 19 April). And none will have bigger egos than those securing a berth on this fantastic polar research vessel. The egos of scientists have prevented the furtherance of knowledge, bringing thought to a crashing halt, sometimes for hundreds of years. Because science is often considered to be fact, if these facts take hold with a fervour akin to religion, then all further questioning can become silenced. It should not be forgotten that all science rests precariously upon a complete unknowing of the absolute basics.
That is not to say it is not useful. Rules are developed which allow a great deal of confidence in prediction. But all rules in science start from an approximation (often a series of approximations). These approximations are either things that we choose to neglect (with good reason), or things that are exceedingly complex and we choose to circumvent (the computer power may not be available), or we simply don’t understand. Most crucially, this last approximation always applies somewhere. So, in order to keep the scientists true to their science and not to their bloated egos for sailing aboard the Great NERC Endeavour, Boaty McBoatface is a perfect pride popper. It will also keep the politicians focused on the science produced and not their overwhelming need for success because they have thrown so much money at the problem. No photo opportunities on the ship’s prow.
Michael Anderson
Professor of materials chemistry, University of Manchester
• Given the potential constitutional and democratic crisis occasioned by the popular mandate for Boaty McBoatface, I offer the following solution. We should note that the vessel in question is not a boat but a ship, and amendment to Shippy McShipface would attract unfortunate mispronunciations. One of the distinctions between a boat and a ship is that a ship can carry a boat, but not vice versa. If we look at the vessel, we can see that it has on board at least one small boat for excursion and (God forbid) evacuation. So: it should be Boaty McBoatface for the carried boat, and something more dignified for the carrying ship. I don’t do social media, but if I did, my vote would have been for David Attenborough.
James Lindesay
Leicester
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