(The Official U.K. Definition of Science guardian.co.uk/science-definition)
Ok, nice and to the point... Like it! but...
Hmm. Who are they? Some points from their "Mission, strategy and priorities"
(update: It appears the council changed it's mission somewhere in August 2012...
The above link now uses the Internet Archive (way back machine) to display the original page.)
preamble: The Science Council was established by Royal Charter in 2003 with the objects of advancing science and its applications for public benefit.
2. Influence science policy and strategy by:
2.1 being a point of contact for government and others to reach the wider science community
3. Advance professionalism in science by:
3.1 promoting and developing the Chartered Scientist designation
2. Influence science policy and strategy by:
2.1 being a point of contact for government and others to reach the wider science community
3. Advance professionalism in science by:
3.1 promoting and developing the Chartered Scientist designation
So, if i may be so tongue in cheek:
The Need for this organisation was recognised by the Crown, in order to ;
a. Allow Government to find Scientists and the Other Way Around.
b. Make sure these Contactable scientists are Real Ones...
Why a new definition?
In a statement from the Council, Chief Exec. Diana Garnham says:
"In an era where practices such as homeopathy are becoming widespread, and 'detox' is an acceptable aim for a diet, a definition creates a clear distinction between what is genuine science, and what is pseudoscience."