Avoiding the word "evolution" in science writing. What's next? Avoiding doing science?

[mckitterick]

Evolution by Any Other Name: Antibiotic Resistance and Avoidance of the E-Word

This article gives me the creeps. Thanks to adammaker for the link.

So: Not using the word "evolution" is a conspiracy, except that - ironically - the conspirators are the scientists themselves. Shame.

Comments

[cba1282zyx.livejournal.com]

This report seems a little fishy. Not using the word evolution to describe the evolutionary process? I would have to see these research papers. I think its wise not to use the word. Evolution right now is causing too many conflicts. To have to word used in their report could mean the difference between them being able to continue their research or lose their funding.

[mckitterick.livejournal.com]

Exactly - and that's why this is so scary. If scientists are feeling pressured not to use the word, pretty soon the word won't exist any more.