Charlie Rose Science Series
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02/19/2007
Michael Crichton
A conversation with Michael Crichton
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An hour of conversation with Michael Crichton, one of the best-selling authors in American publishing. Crichton discusses his new book, "Next", about DNA, biotechnology and the ownership of disease. Crichton likens the human to a cloud interacting with the environment. He also talks about global warming, where he take a number of controversial positions, including the stance that carbon dioxide is not the primary driver of increasing world temperatures.
DVD
Charlie Rose DVDs on Amazon.
Charlie Rose DVDs on Amazon.
Audio
Audio available through Audible.com.
Audio available through Audible.com.
Transcripts
Transcripts available through Voxant.
Transcripts available through Voxant.
The key point in the interview was when Michael said that less than 10% of scientists are certain that human activity is the cause of climate change. He then draws the conclusion that this uncertainty means that there is insufficient groupnd for us to make hard sacrifices. In engineering, we look at it differently. The key reason why one may need to act despite the uncertainities, if the consequence of making is a mistake is too great, we are forced to act. We do this all the time in engineering. We design system up to a point where the cost of the increased reliability (certainty) hits the threshold of the cost of loss x the probability of its occurance. Its called equivalent value by engineering economists. Even if there is a small chance that we contribute to climate change, since the costs of inaction are so great, we had better spend money to address it now.
Charlie: I'm still waiting for you to invite your supposed "super-scientist" on with Crichton to "disprove" Crichton's supposedly "stupid belief" that global warming is not that big of a deal. Is it because you haven't found one? I bet you haven't -- nobody wants to go up against somebody with Crichton's brainpower on this issue because they would lose. Be honest with yourself now -- is global warming a big enough deal to be worried about to, for instance, fleece the US and the rest of the industrialized world over, and give the money to the UN? You know the answer is "no," by now, don't you? And beyond whether global warming is a big deal, which it isn't. What would the UN do with the money? They'd squander on wine, women, and weapons to fight US. I hope you won't continue to be deceived about this issue.
For those of us that believe in global warming it remains relevant, and in fact incredibly important to keep in touch with the intelligent debate that continues. Although I (we) may disagree with his position, Mr. Chrichton's views should always be respected. Excellent interview.
Thank goodness that Charlie Rose presents one of the highest quality broadcasts for sensible debate. While Rose appears to be astounded at Crichton's views on global warming, he (Rose) allows and listens to the contra viewpoint expressed. For myself, I have read the science and am in agreement with Crichton. It's good to see a forum that allows the debate as opposed to the hysteria that the media pumps out daily.
oh, crichton, the original soporific. rose is off his game here. you can tell he's not confident speaking on this topic, and crichton just drones on and on...ironically, on morality in science.
I wish there was some way to look inside Charlie Rose's coffee cup to know how much coffee he's had before the interview. If he's had the whole cup, you know he's going severely interrupt the discussion time and time again, like he does here. It was so frustrating to see Dr. Crichton start an response and then get interrupted only seconds into it by Mr. Rose. A very frustrating interview. Not without its interesting points, to be sure, but frustrating.
Referred to this show as a result of a discussion about climate change and anthropomorphic influence on it, I am glad I listened in. The political/emotional response to scientific work on this issue could be possibly as damaging as the climate change itself if not checked by imperical scientific method and sound management. Crichton's position should be considered.
Dear Sirs, Thank you for the fine program with Michael. There is a convergence going on (as Kurzweil elaborates) in genetics, biology, computers and nanotechnology. Kurzweil calls this "singularity". My take on what is to come is WOWIE ZOWIE! There will be both sides exposed of this marketplace coin - beneficent and maleficent. And we have no idea what either will look like!
Charlie Rose has some real classy & fantastic interviews and this is certainly one of them. Michael Crichton's calm & collected nature in discussing such potent subjects is a welcome change to what I'm used to hearing.
Excellent interview.
Terrific interview. What was most striking was his comments on the state of western science: Are we, as a western society, not interested in facts any more? Or, are we more interested in the next crisis, drama and tension that the media spins instead of looking at issues dispassionately and without bias?