My name is Maddy and I am interested in belief. Whether that is belief in a power greater than ourselves or belief as it sometimes clashes with established science (what some might call pseudoscience) I am interested the how, what, and why of belief. Here I will be looking at how belief evolves, how it intersects with science and culture, and (hopefully) what all of this me Iconoclast (n): a person who criticizes or opposes beliefs and practices that are widely accepted (from Merriam-Webster Dictionary) I am a student at the University of New Mexico studying for a B.S. in Chemistry and a B.A. in Professional Writing. This began as a project for an Scientific, Medical, and Enviornmental Writing class which focused on science in our culture. After the completion of the class, I combined it with my interest and passion for religious studies and my desire to have a conversation about belief into The Iconoclast Scientist. I hope that with this site I can spark discussion and give people the tools to bring those discussions into their lives. The point isn't to attack people who hold the beliefs I am talking about. I am attempting to gain more of an understanding of why people believe the things that they do so that we can have a real conversation and in the process build a culture that is more critical as well as more open to differing opinions and contradicting evidence. If you feel like I have been unjust, unfair, or impollite, please do not hesitate to contact me. That is not my intention and I will work to correct any such issues. |