Template talk:Early science terminology warning

Latest comment: 17 years ago by Blainster in topic Suggested change
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Suggested change edit

From: "It is important to realise that the usage of terms such as work, force, energy, power, etc. in the 18th and 19th centuries by scientific workers does not necessarily reflect the standardised modern usage. Care should be taken by the reader."

To: "The usage of terms such as work, force, energy, power, etc. in the 18th and 19th centuries by scientific workers does not necessarily reflect the standardised modern usage."

Reason: Whether or not something is important or whether or not care should be taken is POV. It should suffice to let the reader know that early usages of certain terms are not synonymous with modern usages of those terms. Any objections? -AED 16:55, 10 May 2006 (UTC)Reply

Well, I don't really object to the change but I don't agree that it's POV to say that something is important or that care should be taken. It's important to cook chicken thoroughly and care should be taken to see that you do. Probably says that in some chicken recipe article. Your wording is simpler but I was just trying to help the reader. Cutler 23:12, 10 May 2006 (UTC)Reply
I understand what you are saying, and I think we're on the same page. In my opinion, the mere presence of the footnote/explanation implies that there is something important to note. -AED 03:24, 11 May 2006 (UTC)Reply

The use of the phrase "it is important to realise" is a strengthener that is not really necessary in this case. As AED says, the existence of the note is sufficient notice. The chicken recipe direction is "important" because it is a health risk. The potential misunderstanding of the scientific terms under discussion likely do not pose an imminent risk to the health and safety of the reader. --Blainster 06:47, 12 July 2006 (UTC)Reply