Skepticism, Science & Pseudoscience

Orrex

(64,798 posts)

17. Perhaps you didn't read what you wrote

Wed Nov 2, 2016, 12:05 PM

Nov 2016

I was calling for the same skepticism that you seem to be endorsing, and I was calling upon skeptics to maintain their skeptical vigilance against dubious scientific claims--just as you were doing. However, I recognize that such vigilance is often (and shouldn't be) focused solely on finding bad actors in the actual scientific community, rather than ferreting out charlatans in the fields of chiropractic and naturopathy, for instance. Why would you discourage skeptical review of so-called alternative medicine?

Anyone can find a few fringe elements and use them as bogeymen, but that accomplishes nothing. Why not focus on the real problem and ferret out instances of researchers who are selling their services to the highest bidder and turn the spotlight on them and the corporations/special interests that are paying them. Educate people on how to spot the difference between science done right (most of it) and the 10-20% that is designed to push a (usually) corporate agenda.

How did you arrive at that 10-20% figure? Can you explain how this 10-20% differs from the "few fringe elements" that you urge us not to use "as bogeymen?"

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Why do people hate science? [View all] Archae Aug 2016 OP

My guess is identity. ZombieHorde Aug 2016 #1

Because it's uncontrollable and unpredictable. DetlefK Aug 2016 #2

Science is a scary stranger. AlbertCat Aug 2016 #5

Your other thread in GD has some, progressoid Aug 2016 #3

I noticed. Archae Aug 2016 #4

Science has always had critics when a pet belief is challenged. AlbertCat Aug 2016 #6

Like naturopaths/accupuncturists etc. wearing lab coats... uriel1972 Aug 2016 #7

A lot of edhopper Aug 2016 #8

Scientific thinking is hard and too many people are stupid Taitertots Aug 2016 #9

I don't think it's so much that people hate science PoindexterOglethorpe Sep 2016 #10

I don't hate science. I just find it unnecessarily limiting and confining. stone space Nov 2016 #11

"Science" is a corruptible process, not a religion. kristopher Nov 2016 #12

Science is a tool. Nothing more. Archae Nov 2016 #13

But that isn't what's going on here. kristopher Nov 2016 #14

Well, you're about half right Orrex Nov 2016 #15

What the hell are you talking about? kristopher Nov 2016 #16

Perhaps you didn't read what you wrote Orrex Nov 2016 #17

My words are addressing a specific pattern of behavior here on DU. kristopher Nov 2016 #18

People hate thinking when they don't have to. Orsino Feb 2017 #19

As a retired HS teacher... El Viejo Mar 2017 #20

The core of science is being willing to admit that you can be horribly wrong. DetlefK Mar 2017 #21

Too true... uriel1972 Mar 2017 #22