by Michal Wintz

Created on: May 05, 2009

It is so tempting to side with the fiction writers on this issue, but there are a few issues I have with fiction. Brilliant writers such as Victor Hugo can use words to describe what they see and think with amazing clarity. They can play our emotions like a harp, making us cry or laugh at their whim. But, in the end it is only their opinion and observations of a limited select few.

Scientist's must adhere to standards and empirical evidence when addressing new discoveries into the human condition. While this may seem cold and clinical, and it this is often the case. Through research and long years of study they can tell us why we act the way we do. This brings a more complete insight into humanity. They can offer solutions to problems plaguing mankind where as fiction writers can only offer personal opinion, and wow us with their writing skills.

Anthropologists and archaeologists spend their whole lives studying the past to bring more insight into human history. What made certain civilizations great and what brought their down fall. Fiction writers just write about current events hoping to reveal, but never getting the whole picture. They rage against the inhumanities, then they are put in the classic literature studies where they are dusted off each year for a brief period of time.

Scientific studies are an ongoing process where new discoveries and information are added to a broad knowledge base. This way valuable information is passed on from generation to generation for future scientists. This empirical evidence is proof, solid facts, not hearsay or babble of an author long dead. When new information is brought to light the scientific community adjusts and corrects past errors. While we may not find this entertaining we know the evidence is sound and reliable.

State of the art equipment allows scientists to delve much deeper into the bodies reactions to external stimulus. They can now show chemical reactions to emotional, and physical situations. They have narrowed the basic human reactions called "fight or flight" to any given situation.

Through studies done in the inner cities the scientific community can give statistical data on how many teens have become pregnant or how many of our youths have ended up in prison during any giving year or time period, and most importantly why it happened. They can offer solutions where fiction writers can only rant. Scientific writers offer insight perhaps less entertaining, but it will be well rounded and factual.

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