Cohen: Taking Back Nobel Prizes

10.07.2009

It’s a big week for Nobel Prizes. On Monday, the prize for medicine was announced. Today, Tuesday, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences reveals the winner of the physics prize. On Wednesday, the chemistry award is made public; on Thursday, it’s literature’s turn.

There’s still time to get a bet down on what to me is the big one, the Peace Prize. Past winners comprise a roster worthy of esteem, but the list also includes a few clinkers, people who, in retrospect, seem curious choices at best. On Friday, when this year’s winner is disclosed, shouldn’t the Norwegian Nobel Committee do what we encourage in other realms: acknowledge error, and then rescind those past awards bestowed on the conspicuously undeserving? (NY Times) > View article