Why Trust Science?

Science is a powerful tool that has helped us to understand the world around us and to improve our lives. But why should we trust science? What makes science different from other ways of knowing, such as religion or philosophy?

Why Trust Science? (The University Center for Human Values Series Book 55)

by Naomi Oreskes

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1253 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	377 pages

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There are a number of reasons why we should trust science. First, science is based on evidence. Scientists collect data from the world around them and use it to test their theories. If a theory does not match the evidence, then it is discarded. This process of testing and refinement helps to ensure that scientific theories are accurate and reliable.

Second, science is based on reason. Scientists use logic and evidence to develop their theories. They do not rely on wishful thinking or emotion. This makes science a more reliable way of knowing than other ways of knowing that are based on faith or tradition.

Third, science is self-correcting. When new evidence is discovered, scientists are willing to change their theories to accommodate it. This makes science a dynamic and ever-changing field of knowledge. It also means that science is always getting better at explaining the world around us.

Of course, science is not perfect. Scientists sometimes make mistakes, and scientific theories are sometimes revised or even overturned. But this is actually a strength of science, not a weakness. It means that science is always open to new evidence and new ideas.

So why should we trust science? Because science is based on evidence, reason, and self-correction. It is the most reliable way of knowing that we have.

Here are some additional reasons to trust science:

• Science has helped us to understand the world around us and to improve our lives. For example, science has helped us to develop new medicines, technologies, and ways to protect the environment.
• Science is a global enterprise. Scientists from all over the world share their knowledge and work together to solve problems. This makes science a more reliable way of knowing than other ways of knowing that are based on local knowledge or tradition.
• Science is open to public scrutiny. Anyone can read scientific papers and evaluate the evidence for themselves. This makes science a more transparent and accountable way of knowing than other ways of knowing that are based on faith or tradition.

Of course, there are also some reasons to be skeptical of science. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Science is not always right. Scientists sometimes make mistakes, and scientific theories are sometimes revised or even overturned.
• Science can be used for good or for evil. For example, science has been used to develop both life-saving medicines and weapons of mass destruction.
• Science is not the only way of knowing. There are other ways of knowing, such as religion, philosophy, and art, that can also provide us with valuable insights into the world around us.

Overall, science is a powerful tool that has helped us to understand the world around us and to improve our lives. It is based on evidence, reason, and self-correction, and it is open to public scrutiny. However, it is important to remember that science is not always right, and that it can be used for good or for evil.

Why Trust Science? (The University Center for Human Values Series Book 55)

by Naomi Oreskes

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1253 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	377 pages

FREE