Thoughtful and timely. Understanding the perspective of the author and his background would be helpful. This piece could easily have stretched to twice it's length to develop some of the ideas and parallels in mathematics and the sciences, however, the intent is more patriotic and memorial rather than simply a scientific slant. The concept of re-reading the declaration of independence every 4th is something of a soft call to action making the listener wish they had thought to make this a tradition; it's a thinking man's patriotic gesture. The narrator was clear, well paced and succinct.
I like the concept of an engineer or a scientist reviewing the declaration. This should be introduced as part of the piece, however. If you remake this piece, please consider introducing yourself and briefly explaining why your views might be unique. And if you feel a parallel between yourself and Jefferson, mention that.
The public at large will not know what an axiom is. Include this.
You go through a bit of detail, never really hinting at what the takeaway is. Something to hint at the ending is great for setting the mode of the listener and grabbing his attention.
The take-away is fun, but required a second listen, partly for the reason above. Partly also because it was expressed as an isolated concept. Try personalizing the take-away. If this message struck you well enough to make you want to do a piece on it, explain something about the impact.
This piece provided me with a new look at not only the Declaration of Independence but taught me some interesting bits about Thomas Jefferson. It is a well written and presented piece.
As a student of science (physics) I believed this piece would appeal to me from the beginning. The tone and content of the recording only affirmed this.
I found it short, but telling. It echos an opinion that many in the science professions must have. I found that it left me wanting more, wanting to hear the speaker go further into the opinions of Jefferson as well as the other founders. In that sense it was a little questionable.
At the same time, though, it seemed to have a very good amount of content for such a short time; there was neither too little nor too much information in the essay.
Comments for Jefferson & Science
Produced by William S. Hammack
Other pieces by William S. Hammack
Rating Summary
4 comments
eric carlson
Posted on July 06, 2004 at 04:28 PM | Permalink
Review of Jefferson & Science
Thoughtful and timely. Understanding the perspective of the author and his background would be helpful. This piece could easily have stretched to twice it's length to develop some of the ideas and parallels in mathematics and the sciences, however, the intent is more patriotic and memorial rather than simply a scientific slant. The concept of re-reading the declaration of independence every 4th is something of a soft call to action making the listener wish they had thought to make this a tradition; it's a thinking man's patriotic gesture. The narrator was clear, well paced and succinct.
Brian McGroarty
Posted on June 16, 2004 at 10:20 AM | Permalink
Review of Jefferson & Science
I like the concept of an engineer or a scientist reviewing the declaration. This should be introduced as part of the piece, however. If you remake this piece, please consider introducing yourself and briefly explaining why your views might be unique. And if you feel a parallel between yourself and Jefferson, mention that.
The public at large will not know what an axiom is. Include this.
You go through a bit of detail, never really hinting at what the takeaway is. Something to hint at the ending is great for setting the mode of the listener and grabbing his attention.
The take-away is fun, but required a second listen, partly for the reason above. Partly also because it was expressed as an isolated concept. Try personalizing the take-away. If this message struck you well enough to make you want to do a piece on it, explain something about the impact.
Anna Banana
Posted on June 15, 2004 at 05:00 PM | Permalink
Review of Jefferson & Science
This piece provided me with a new look at not only the Declaration of Independence but taught me some interesting bits about Thomas Jefferson. It is a well written and presented piece.
Chris Carlin
Posted on June 14, 2004 at 02:36 PM | Permalink
Review of Jefferson & Science
As a student of science (physics) I believed this piece would appeal to me from the beginning. The tone and content of the recording only affirmed this.
I found it short, but telling. It echos an opinion that many in the science professions must have. I found that it left me wanting more, wanting to hear the speaker go further into the opinions of Jefferson as well as the other founders. In that sense it was a little questionable.
At the same time, though, it seemed to have a very good amount of content for such a short time; there was neither too little nor too much information in the essay.
On the whole an enjoyable piece.