Some Academic Debates in the Geological Society of Korea

This article reviews a few academic discussions in our geological society. The author presents his opinion on the discussions regarding the ages of the Okcheon Group, Myogog Formation, and hominid footprints of the Jeju Island, as well as on the inaccurate reportage in mass media. The academia advances via healthy debates and discussions. The arguments for and against Darwin's "Origin of Species" and scientific debates regarding Wegener's "Continental Drift Hypothesis" are well known. In academic debates or discussions, authority should not be involved in any form. Academic research should be conducted based on scientific principles and evidence-free of personal preferences or other nonacademic factors. Opponents should challenge with scientific approaches, suggesting alternatives based on science. Opposition without scientific basis is not productive in conducting academic research in search of scientific truth. Often, the news media delivers inaccurate information to the public-intentionally or unintentionally. There must be a mechanism to immediately identify and rectify inaccurate, false, or fake information for the benefit of the public and the credibility of the news media.