Using science is about iteratively getting closer and closer to the truth, it is not about absolutes - since conclusions can become outdated by actually being wrong, or get supplanted by better conclusions. It's about delivering conclusions with high confidence, not absolute facts. In a vacuum, science itself is a perfect, unfailing tool. But since human beings use it, it's used imperfectly. And, when used correctly, the process is driven by data, not ideas. Science itself (meaning the tool) shouldn't be questioned, but the conclusions people reach and the way it is used should be/are questioned. What conclusions we trust should be dependent on factors like how often that conclusion is reproduced, how thorough the methodology is, and how many limitations were taken into account. The average person should have some understanding of this, so that they don't blindly believe in things and so that they aren't fooled into thinking there's a scientific consensus on a matter that does not have a consensus.
sahuxley2 t1_j6tv2j0 wrote
Reply to comment by HoneydewInMyAss in How to be a sceptic | We have an ethical responsibility to adopt a sceptical attitude to everything from philosophy and science to economics and history in the pursuit of a good life for ourselves and others. by IAI_Admin
Using science is about iteratively getting closer and closer to the truth, it is not about absolutes - since conclusions can become outdated by actually being wrong, or get supplanted by better conclusions. It's about delivering conclusions with high confidence, not absolute facts. In a vacuum, science itself is a perfect, unfailing tool. But since human beings use it, it's used imperfectly. And, when used correctly, the process is driven by data, not ideas. Science itself (meaning the tool) shouldn't be questioned, but the conclusions people reach and the way it is used should be/are questioned. What conclusions we trust should be dependent on factors like how often that conclusion is reproduced, how thorough the methodology is, and how many limitations were taken into account. The average person should have some understanding of this, so that they don't blindly believe in things and so that they aren't fooled into thinking there's a scientific consensus on a matter that does not have a consensus.