A Few Science-Minded Suggestions and

Arguments for Personal and Social Change

The following notes are only the crude outlines, etc., that I, Anseynol, imported from my original InfoSelect files
(which are in an outline format).

[The note below is in my 2013 InfoSelect file, dated: 4/26/2013:

On the M96 bus, going toward 5th Ave., finally decided to include 'moral growth' in the title and body of the essay
"On Scientific Principles, the Need for Social Change..."; Perhaps one OK title is: "... the Relevance and Urgency of
Moral Growth".

Title changed again: 5 Jul. '13:

"A Few Scientific Suggestions, Arguments for Social Change, and the Primacy(?) of Moral Growth"
Later in 2013: "A Few Scientific Suggestions and Arguments for Personal and Social Change"

I know that 'suggestions' is a rather weak word (I recall the joke about a 'liberal' God sending "10 suggestions",
instead of "10 commandments"). I had flirted with 'principles' before. But that word is used to refer to things like
Heisenberg Principle.]

Entry:

I believe that important improvements can* be made in the human condition within a few hours, without taking
chances with any new technology, or with an unheard-of implementation of existing technologies. Such quick
improvements may not be 'significant' on a global scale; but countless human, animal, and plant lives may be saved
as a result. Of course, I know only a tiny fraction of what might be possible for humankind to accomplish in the
short term...

* Barring any natural disasters, and man-made catastrophic events.

My Background, etc.:

I will argue that it is not necessary for science-minded people to show their 'credentials', or any 'success' in certain
fields --any more than it is necessary for them to show any 'pedigrees'. Still, I will briefly engage in the unnecessary
here for the purpose of preventing distractive guess-work.

Identify, Study, and/or Agitate for Pressing Issues

[Some of the wording: 12/10/2013, updated: 9/15/2016.]

One of the most important obligations of able-bodied grown-up human beings is to take care of human beings who
cannot take (proper) care of themselves, as well as segments of flora and fauna.

Agitation should not be left to those who are not qualified for anything 'more sophisticated', or to those who seem to
enjoy themselves in that role. There has long been, and there will always be, a great need for agitation and criticism
coming from people who are known to be generally calm and nonconfrontational.

Identify, Study, and/or Agitate for Likely Threats

Sadly, there may sometimes be a conflict between this obligation and the one stated before.

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Prioritize Problems, Needs, and Questions to Investigate
This is certainly necessary for most living beings, and some of it is done on a subconscious level. Despite its
prevalence, it is to be expected that there will be much disagreement among science-minded people as to which sets
of problems should have top priority. Some disagreement can be resolved, but some appear to me to be inevitable.

Consider Past Human Crimes, and Investigate Ways of Compensation

It is perhaps unthinkable that any human being who starts to think scientifically can claim to have an entirely 'clean
record'. Some of the harm that a person has done can never be compensated for. However, a conscientious student of
science should remain dedicated to the goal of mending much of the harm that he/she has done, and strive not to
cause similar harm in the future.

Unfortunately, there is always far greater harm that other people are causing, or had caused a long time ago, that can
never be undone. There may also have been natural disasters, and harm caused by other species that a conscientious
student of science should try to repair and/or fight against. The obligation to help undo such harmful legacies may
leave little time for personal efforts to 'clean one's slate'.

Learn about the Problems and Priorities of Loved Ones and Allies

It is perhaps inevitable that, even with a very small, cohesive, and supportive group of people dedicated to similar
goals, there are conflicting priorities. In fact, many people have goals that cannot be achieved simultaneously.

Learn about the Problems and Priorities of Your 'Enemies' or Those Who
Cause Some of Your Problems

One does not always have to make concessions to one’s ‘enemies’, especially if they belong to (seemingly) weaker
species. However, for many human problems, it may be both prudent and beneficial (to more parties than one) to
resolve existing or potential conflicts by accommodating some of the needs, etc., of one’s enemies.

Consider Alternative Value Systems (and Reassess Your Problems in

'Different Lights')

Whether some of us like it or not, most adults and nonadults choose to shape their lives guided/misguided by
personal interpretations of various myths and religions. A serious student of science should try to assess the possible
consequences of adopting different sets of values (some of which may be contradictory). In so doing, one may also
question some of the values that are offered as 'package deals'.

Practice Doubt, But Be Mindful of Its Cost and Its Limitations

As has been said, “There are two fools in a market: One who asks too few questions, and one who asks too many.” It
may not always be a sign of courage and/or sophistication to doubt everything that is not proven.

Try to Anticipate Others' Doubts

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Try to Assess Your Goals and Values - Then Publicize Some
A scientific discovery may not be within the reach of (or 'in the cards' for) most humans. But a great deal of self-
discovery can and should be made. Some of this may be achieved in private, and some may emerge as a result of
intended or unintended 'collaboration'.

What compromises will you not make? Whom would you not betray? What price would be too high for you to
'attain truths' that you are searching for?

Try to Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses - Then Publicize Some

Seek Collaboration Actively and with Grace (Borrowed, If Need Be)
Study the Works of the Best or the Most Successful People in Your Field (But
in Small Dosages)
Try to Learn from Mistakes Made in Your Field (Large and Small)
Try to Be Instrumental in Other Scientists' and Activists' Work
Search Far and Wide for Good Questions

Sometimes, children or mentally-disabled people come up with great questions (but they are unable to 'get
anywhere' with their questions).

Try to Eliminate or Ignore Bad Questions

Try to 'Live within Your Means' (Epistemically, as Well)
Try to Allocate Time and Other Resources to Science
Keep 'Pruning', But Be Mindful of the Risks...
Work with What Works, or Struggle for What May Work Better
Question the Questioners, Employers, and Agenda-Setters
Follow the Causal Chain (and/or Invite Others to Do So)
Consider Alternative Agents, Resources, and 'Opportunity Cost'
Consider (Possible) Functions of Agents - and What Might be Lost
Try to Avoid Risks Due to Unknowns

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If You Succeed, Try to Make Your Success Replicable

If You Fail, Try to Understand Why You Failed, and Publicize (Some of)
Your Findings

If You Think You Are in Part Responsible for Others’ Failure, Publicize
(Some of) What You Know

Whether You Fail or Succeed, Remain Open to Criticism, Guidance, and

Support

Even If You Are Dissatisfied with Your Own Work in Science, Do Not
Hesitate to Be Critical of Other's Work