> *Perhaps you don't believe that things like critical literary analysis are... | Hacker News

Hacker Timesnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit

jjs on Nov 2, 2009 | parent | context | favorite | on: The Ph.D. Problem

> Perhaps you don't believe that things like critical literary analysis are providing us any actual benefit, but I disagree and I'm sure that any humanities professor would disagree too.

What they'll profess in public and what they'll admit "off the record" aren't always the same thing.

foldr on Nov 2, 2009 [–]

The same is true of scientists, though. I know plenty who will say disparaging things about the value of their own research "off the record."

jjs on Nov 3, 2009 | [–]

I believe it.

Scientists at least have the advantage that, even if they can't see any practical application of their research, other people can (and do!).

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact