3 years, 5 months ago
How is writing popular science books perceived in the academic community?
Is it considered selling out? Is it considered innovative to bring new perspectives? Is it egotistical?
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M$1 Answer
It depends on your motivation. If you're writing a axe-grinding politically charged book, then yeah, you're considered pandering and sensationalist. If you write a data-driven account of the history and importance of your field, then even if you do take a specific position, you're fine. I wish more people would do it.
Don't worry about being balanced just for the sake of balance. Discuss the data, discuss how you interpret them, discuss why you make the conclusion you come to, and then discuss the alternative theories and why you don't think those hold. Do this in a way that doesn't depend on the reader having an advanced education and shows that your decision has obvious implications for the world at large. A little overreaching is inevitable, but try to keep it to a minimum.
Don't worry about being balanced just for the sake of balance. Discuss the data, discuss how you interpret them, discuss why you make the conclusion you come to, and then discuss the alternative theories and why you don't think those hold. Do this in a way that doesn't depend on the reader having an advanced education and shows that your decision has obvious implications for the world at large. A little overreaching is inevitable, but try to keep it to a minimum.
source(s):
I'm an academic.
I'm an academic.
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