Victor Lachance is the former President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport. From that position he helped nurture True Sport and Sports Matters Group into existence. As such he helped create one of the most effective and unique public policy un – organizations in Canada. I appreciate Victor's focus on the heart of our work in community – the underlying values and philosophy. He remains an active part of the True Sport Movement. Here is his contribution to: What would you like to become more visible in 2011? You can also Download Becoming Visible - the complete collection of 58 essays.
Scientific Inquiry
I have always been a fan of space exploration, of discovery, of extending the human experience beyond the boundaries of where we have already been and what we already know. It gives me a sense of wonder unlike anything else, and oddly enough, a sense of hope for the resolution of humanityʼs complex earthly challenges.
At the heart of space exploration is inquiry, the desire to know, the quest for knowledge about where we came from and where we are going. It relies on a fascinating array of scientific disciplines to help us understand, to build, to discover and to ultimately succeed in the most remarkable ways imaginable.
For this and many other reasons, I draw a tremendous amount of comfort in knowing that we have what we call science as one of humanityʼs major assets.
Not surprisingly then, I have become preoccupied by the increasingly worrisome promotion of claims that conflict with scientific progress, and actions that diminish the value of science for future generations.
I suppose that I have grown somewhat jaded with politicians and others who eschew or reject evidence-based decision making. But I find myself unable to ignore what seem to be intentional attacks on the very nature of science and its remarkable contributions to the flourishing of our lives.
There are various ways in which such threats can be addressed by those who share this concern. In 2011, I would like to see a more concerted effort to counter this war on scientific progress and to emphasize the importance of science to humankind. We would see an increased appetite for scientific inquiry in contrast to non-scientific explanations of our world, and a greater appreciation for what science has to offer.
I know if this were so, I would, more easily continue to marvel at the astounding stories of our progress in space exploration, and how it is extending the reach of humanity beyond the historical, theological, philosophical and scientific frontiers.
NOTES
Click to read my original post on True Sports: The Unincorporated Un – Organization: Sports Matters Group.
You can download the complete collection of Becoming Visible responses here: Download Becoming Visible. Or by clicking the Becoming Visible Category on the right hand side of your screen.
Please share and distribute to your friends and through your various networks, websites etc. I think you will agree – these are too good to keep to ourselves.
Leave a Reply