When Flandry remarks that the Didonians must have:
"'...some interesting sexual variations...'" (p. 472)
- Kathryn McCormac acts embarrassed. Flandry is surprised. She is a scientist and also strong enough not to let the events of her captivity cripple her indefinitely. Here, Flandry shows a surprising lack of understanding of the relationship between science and culture. Scientists can compartmentalize their minds. If asked questions about a range of non-scientific issues like theology or morality, some scientists will reply, "Ask a priest (or rabbi, imam etc)," in the same way as anyone will ask a lawyer about a will, a doctor about an illness or a mechanic about a car. "That's not my department." Morality is everyone's department.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
While I agree it should be possible for human scientists to discuss non-human sexuality/reproduction detachedly, it's not that surprising to me that Kathryn McCormac felt uncomfortable by Flandry's remarks. For many of us such comments would make us think of human sexuality, perverse or normal, and still make some uncomfortable.
Ad astra! Sean
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