As a PhD in English literature, physics blows my mind. I wish I could think in that way, and definitely try to learn more about it when I’m not working on my dissertation. That said, I believe you too casually toss aside the ‘scientifically illiterate’ in a sweeping gesture. If they want to know and try to know more, does that not matter? Whilst I agree with much of your post (i.e. that there is no such thing as true ‘conversational physics’), I think the stereotyping, assumptions, and tone are misplaced. (Oh, on a side note: In my field, everyone thinks they know the eighteenth century because they like Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Everyone *knows* Jane Austen. Believe me, I may not be detecting the God particle or anything, I know how frustrating it can be.)
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