Apologies for the repetitive nature of some recent postings. I can’t even stand to write them any more, but still think someone should be documenting the descent of particle theory into pseudo-science and complaining about it.

Dinocrat: The world is apparently devolving, as the Rule of Reason gives way to superstition and folly that masks itself as wisdom, tolerance, and respect for diversity.Tsk tsk. Each nonWestern culture has a distinctive science which is equally valid and morally superior to the Western version. How dare we oppressors impose our standards on other cultures?

Both Ginsparg and Roberts point out that part of the plagiarism problem may stem from different cultural norms in an increasingly international scientific community.

Just wait till the various multicultural constituencies begin demanding separate funding for their scientific visions. (This should not be a right-left issue: consider the push to get creationism into the schools.)