Watch Stephen Colbert and Neil deGrasse Tyson debate science
Comedy Central


Science celebrity and accomplished astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is making waves with his reboot of Cosmos, the celebrated TV series originally hosted by Carl Sagan. Tyson went on The Colbert Report to discuss the new Cosmos, and why he felt the need to reprise the series, but their discussion turned into a trial of science. Stephen Colbert asked Tyson why he argues that we don't have to present both sides of every scientific theory — "Don't you want to be fair and balanced?" he asked. "That would be a waste of everyone's time," Tyson responded:
When different experiments give you the same result, it is no longer subject to your opinion. That's the good thing about science: It's true whether or not you believe in it. [Colbert Report]
The audience cheered, and so did thousands of science teachers. Then they laughed, because Colbert's retort is, predictably, spot-on perfect. --Peter Weber
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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
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